A tragic fire in Gloucester claimed the life of 41-year-old Amy Louise Stafford, despite the heroic efforts of neighbours who tried to save her from the burning home.
The blaze erupted last Wednesday evening, July 8, at a residence located at the corner of Attlebridge Way and Fersfield Gardens in the Kingsway area. Firefighters and ambulance teams swiftly responded, managing to rescue Miss Stafford. She was immediately transferred to Southmead Hospital in Bristol.
Sadly, Miss Stafford endured severe burns and passed away later that evening. Her family fondly remembered her as “a bright light in our lives.”
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Neighbours expressed profound shock and sadness over the incident. Gemma O’Neill, who lives just a few doors away with her family, recounted the terrifying moments when her husband Ashley and a neighbour bravely attempted to enter the burning home.
“We were just preparing dinner around 5:20 pm when someone noticed smoke and started shouting for help in the street,” Gemma explained. “They couldn’t get inside, so our neighbour called Ash. He found a way in through the back gate and kicked the door open despite the intense smoke and flames. He described the scene as pitch black from the waist up — it was truly horrifying.”
Reflecting on Miss Stafford’s life, Gemma added, “We didn’t see her out often, but it’s heartbreaking that this happened. She had lived here for a long time, and my sons even drew pictures to leave outside her door in her memory.”
Authorities from Gloucestershire Police and Fire and Rescue Service conducted investigations at the scene, with the cordon now lifted. The cause of the fire remains under review as enquiries continue.