A four-year-old girl is in a coma after being rescued from a house fire in Swindon.
Emergency services were called to Queens Drive at 5:38am on Saturday, August 16, after a blaze broke out in a terraced property. Fire crews from Swindon, Stratton and Westlea attended, along with Wiltshire Police and South Western Ambulance Service.
Four members of the family managed to escape before firefighters arrived, but their youngest daughter, Evy Andrews, was rescued from the house and taken to hospital in a critical condition. She is now being treated at Bristol Children’s Hospital, where doctors describe her condition as critical but stable.
Her parents, Lauren Andrews and Daniel Quelch, and grandfather David Andrews, along with her two sisters, also received hospital treatment for smoke inhalation.
Fundraising efforts
Neighbours and members of the Swindon community have launched a fundraiser to support the family, who lost their home and belongings in the fire.
Chelsey Rich, a neighbour who organised the GoFundMe appeal, said:
"I’m raising money for my neighbours Lauren and Dan, whose house went up in flames in the early hours. They have three daughters, and their youngest is seriously injured. The house is in pieces and not livable – they’ve lost so many personal belongings."
At the time of writing, over £4000 of a £10,000 target has been raised. Donations will go towards essentials for the family and travel costs while Evy remains in hospital.
Lauren’s sister, Hayley Brinkley, also appealed for support:
"This is one of the worst calls you can get as a big sister. My youngest niece is in a critical way in Bristol hospital. Any help for my family at this horrendous time will be truly appreciated."
The GoFundMe appeal can be found here.
Cause of fire
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the blaze started accidentally in the ground-floor living room.
A spokesperson said:
"Three crews attended, from Swindon, Stratton and Westlea. Four occupants had escaped the house before we arrived, and a child was rescued. All five were taken to hospital. The fire was extinguished using three jets and six breathing apparatus wearers. The stop was at 8am."
Wiltshire Police confirmed Queens Drive was closed between Windsor Road and Rushton Road until around 9.30am but has since reopened. The fire is not being treated as suspicious.
More from: Bristol Children’s Hospital · child in coma · Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.
