Two Dead in Morecambe Club Fire Sparked by Lighter Near Heater

A tragic fire at the Gordon Working Men’s Club in Morecambe claimed the lives of two men on October 9, 2019. The blaze erupted when a regular patron reportedly ignited a gas canister while using a lighter near a heater. The victims, identified as Philip Antony Townsend, 70, and John James McCartney, 60, succumbed to smoke inhalation as they struggled to escape the rapidly spreading flames.

Witness accounts and evidence presented during the ongoing inquest reveal the chaotic scene within the club. The fire started when McCartney, who also worked as the club’s cleaner, flicked his lighter beside the gas canister. According to Detective Chief Inspector Abigail Finch-Hall, witnesses observed McCartney fiddling with the lighter and believe he inadvertently opened the gas canister before igniting it.

Details of the Incident and Eyewitness Accounts

On that fateful afternoon, a flash of fire erupted around the gas canister, enveloping the area in smoke within seconds. Regular patron Julie Galbraith described McCartney as a lively character who often made playful gestures with his lighter. Galbraith recounted her attempts to warn him about the dangers of playing with fire near the gas canister, recalling, “I told him on more than one occasion that he was going to blow himself up, or the rest of us.”

CCTV footage from the club captured the horrifying sequence of events. As the flames spread, Townsend was seen stumbling but managed to get back on his feet to re-enter the area where the fire had ignited. The footage ends with a bright flash, indicating the severity of the fire.

Another patron, Denise Smith, reflected on McCartney’s playful nature and his habit of constantly handling a lighter. She described how the flames flared up dramatically as he attempted to carry the canister towards the exit. Eyewitness George Ramshaw recounted hearing someone warn McCartney moments before the fire burst forth.

Investigation Findings and Safety Concerns

The inquest has raised significant concerns about safety protocols at the Gordon Working Men’s Club. DCI Finch-Hall noted the unusual design of the fire exit, which consisted of two doors with a narrow alcove between them. This configuration made it challenging for patrons to escape. The outer doors were reportedly locked at the time, preventing Townsend from exiting the building.

Fire safety assessments have come under scrutiny, with investigators unable to locate a fire risk assessment for the premises. DCI Finch-Hall stated, “The external double doors couldn’t be opened from the inside,” highlighting the difficulties faced by those trying to escape the fire.

The inquest, being held at County Hall in Preston, is expected to last five days, examining the tragic events of that October afternoon. As families and friends mourn the loss of Townsend and McCartney, the investigation seeks to uncover the full circumstances surrounding this devastating incident.