Netherton house fire tragedy: Cause of blaze which killed pensioner still being probed
The cause of a blaze in which a pensioner died is still being investigated, an inquest has heard.
Gillian Howard, 67, died after the fire in Spring Road, Netherton, despite the brave efforts of neighbours to save her.
Her daughter Nicola was taken to hospital after escaping the fire.
Police and the fire service are now investigating to find out the cause of the fire, which broke out on May 19 this year.
As an inquest was opened on Tuesday, Russell Williams, coroner's officer, told Black Country Coroners Court: "She died at her home address. She lived at Spring Road in Netherton with her daughter Nicola. Her daughter was her full-time carer to help her after a spinal injury she had previously suffered. She was also being treated for breast cancer.
"She slept in a converted downstairs bedroom, and her daughter also normally slept there. On the night of the fire, she went to sleep at about 8pm, and her daughter went shortly after.
"Nicola managed to escape but sadly her mother was unable to get out and died. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the police and fire service, but there are no criminal charges being brought. Gillian's body has now been released so her funeral can be conducted."
The semi-detached home Mrs Howard shared with her daughter was left scorched and gutted. The pensioner's body was found in the front lounge of the house after a fire tore through the building.
Despite the efforts of neighbours, Mrs Howard could not be saved and she was confirmed dead at the scene.
Miss Howard, aged 36, was taken to Dudley's Russells Hall Hospital and treated for smoke inhalation and shock.
Sgt Richard Narrowmore, from Dudley police, said after the tragedy: "I would like to commend the neighbours in Spring Road who valiantly tried to save this woman with little thought to their own personal safety.
"They alerted the authorities and assisted one of the occupants of the address while they awaited the arrival of the emergency services.
Zafar Siddique, senior coroner for the Black Country, said: "I am adjourning this inquest until September 29. That should allow sufficient time for reports to be carried out and witnesses to be informed."
