A MAN in his 20s was in a serious condition yesterday after he was injured in a house fire.
Mark Duffy, from Ballyfore, just outside Edenderry, Co Offaly, was visiting the home of his friend David Connell and Mr Connell’s parents Tom and Rosaleen in Edenderry when the fire broke out between 4am and 5am.
Mr Duffy was rescued by Tom Connell, who was affected by smoke inhalation.
Mr Duffy was taken to the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore. Members of the Connell family were taken to the same hospital.
Richie McDonnell, station officer with Edenderry Fire Brigade, said it was fortunate the station was so near the house.
He added that the occupants were woken by a smoke alarm.
Two tenders and 11 part-time officers were involved in quelling the blaze, while two ambulances ferried the injured to hospital.
The cause of the fire is not yet known, but it was not malicious, Mr McDonnell said. Experts are examining the scene at present.