A MAN has been killed and a 16-year-old boy is fighting for his life after a horror house fire – with cops launching a murder probe.
Emergency services were called to a home in Wolverhampton after the blaze broke out at around 1.10am this morning.
More than 20 firefighters battled the flames while five people were rescued from the semi-detached property and rushed to hospital after receiving CPR at the scene.
Cops have confirmed a 26-year-old man died in hospital this morning while a 16-year-old boy is in a life-threatening condition.
A 52-year-old woman suffered “life-changing burns” while two other men, aged in their 50s and 20s, have been discharged following treatment.
West Midlands Police said a murder probe has now been launched into the “tragic incident” and urged any witnesses to get in touch.
Superintendent Martin Hurcomb said: “This is a tragic incident which has resulted in one person losing their life, and four others being hurt.
“We’re working flat out to understand what happened and why, and who was responsible.
“Forensic experts are examining the scene and the cordon is expected to remain in place for the rest of the day.
“Officers will be in the area over the coming days to offer reassurance, while detectives are also in the area to speak to witnesses and gather CCTV.”
West Midlands Ambulance Service said paramedics found a man and woman in a critical condition before they were taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in Birmingham.
A service spokesman said: “We were called to reports of a property fire on Plascom Road at 1.09am.
“Four ambulances, two paramedic officers, a MERIT trauma doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance critical care car attended the scene.
“On arrival we discovered five patients, two of whom, a man and a woman were found in a critical condition.
“They received specialist trauma care at the scene before being transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.
“A teenage male was treated for serious injuries, before being taken to the same hospital.
“Two further adult males were treated for minor injuries before being taken to Walsall Manor Hospital.”
A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman said: “At 01.07am on June 25, we were alerted to a property fire on Plascom Road, Bilston, Wolverhampton.
“A total of five fire crews, made up of four fire engines and a 4×4 brigade response vehicle responded, with the first arriving in under five minutes.
“The incident involves a fire in a semi-detached house.
“Our fire service crews, using breathing apparatus, tackled the blaze with two hose reel jets.
“West Midlands Police and West Midlands Ambulance teams are also at the scene supporting our crews.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the force via Live Chat online or call 101, quoting log 218 of June 25.
