A devastating house fire has claimed the lives of three people and left three police officers hospitalized with smoke inhalation in Rushton, near Kettering, Northamptonshire. The blaze, described by witnesses as an “inferno,” broke out around 10.30 pm on Friday, March 28, at a property on Beswick Close.
Emergency services, including police, fire, and ambulance crews, rushed to the scene following reports of a “large fire.” Despite their best efforts, three people were tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
A neighbour who witnessed the tragedy told the Northamptonshire Telegraph: “It’s absolutely shocking. My lad said it was on fire. There was a man who had tried to get in who was outside. It was just an inferno. There were ambulance, police, and fire. I don’t know the people who live there but all we can do is hope and pray. It’s just tragic. It’s just horrible.”
The property, reportedly a former station house, was engulfed by flames, preventing any rescue attempts by those nearby.
Northamptonshire Police have confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire. Road closures remain in place on Station Road between Desborough Road and Oakley Road, along with roads off Station Road.
A police statement read: “An investigation is underway after three people died following a house fire in Rushton, near Kettering. At around 10.30pm last night, the police, fire and ambulance services were called to a property in Beswick Close following reports of a large fire. Sadly, and despite the best efforts of the emergency services, three people were later confirmed to have died.
“Three police officers later required hospital assessment due to smoke inhalation. Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service are conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire.
“Road closures remain in place this morning in Station Road between Desborough Road and Oakley Road, including roads off Station Road, with people asked to continue to avoid the area.”
The local community is in shock, with residents expressing their sadness and disbelief over the tragedy. Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area while the investigation continues.
