Tragedy struck last Wednesday evening, July 8, when a fire engulfed a home at the corner of Attlebridge Way and Fersfield Gardens in Kingsway, Gloucester. Amy Louise Stafford, 41, was rescued from the burning house by emergency responders but suffered severe burns and later died at Southmead Hospital in Bristol.
Neighbours witnessed the horrifying event unfold and shared their shock over the incident. One resident, speaking anonymously, recounted how her husband and a neighbour bravely attempted to save Miss Stafford from the flames. At around 5:20 pm, as the family was preparing dinner, smoke was noticed and calls for help echoed through the street.
Unable to access the property initially, the woman next door alerted the neighbour’s husband, who forced entry through the back gate and kicked in the back door despite the intense smoke and heat. He described the scene inside as terrifying—blackened smoke filled the room from waist height upwards.
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The neighbour expressed her sadness and sympathy, saying, “It was really horrible, it was traumatic for everyone and it’s so sad that she died. We never really saw her out and about, but it’s such a shame because she’d been here a long time.”
In honor of Miss Stafford, the neighbour’s children drew pictures which they planned to leave outside her home as a small tribute.
Authorities from Gloucestershire Police and Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service initially cordoned off the area to investigate the cause of the fire. Although the cordon has now been lifted, inquiries continue into the circumstances surrounding this devastating event.