An elderly couple who lost their lives in a devastating house fire following an explosion at their south Wales home have been formally identified. Marlene Mumford, 84, and her husband William Mumford, 90, died at their property on Heol Fawr in Nelson, Caerphilly county.
Emergency Response to the Blast
The tragedy unfolded on the evening of December 12, when a loud explosion was heard in the couple's garden at approximately 5.10pm. The South Wales Fire and Rescue Service rushed to the scene, where they were confronted by a severe fire. Crews battled the inferno using two hose reel jets, one main jet, and thermal imaging cameras, with eight firefighters using breathing apparatus.
However, the intensity of the blaze had caused significant structural damage, raising concerns about the building's integrity. This made it extremely difficult for emergency services to gain entry to the property immediately to attempt a rescue.
Coroner's Findings and Community Grief
When firefighters finally managed to enter the home, they discovered the bodies of William, a former coal miner, and Marlene, who had previously worked in a factory. The damage was so extensive that DNA analysis was required to formally identify them.
At separate opening inquests at Gwent Coroner’s Court on Monday, Senior Coroner Caroline Saunders stated that a post-mortem examination gave the provisional cause of death for both as 'exposure to combustion products of fire'. She confirmed that while investigations are ongoing, there are 'no suspicious circumstances and no suspected third party involvement'.
The inquests, being held as a joinder where the same evidence is heard for both, were adjourned to allow for further investigation. A final hearing into their deaths is scheduled for October 7.
A Village in Mourning
The couple were described as well-liked members of their community. In the wake of the tragedy, the local village has been raising funds for a memorial bench to honour Marlene and William Mumford, a testament to the affection in which they were held.
