Woman dies in Cork house fire

An elderly woman died and three fire officers were injured in a house fire in Cork city last night.

An elderly woman died and three fire officers were injured in a house fire in Cork city last night.

Three units fought the fire in the two-storey terrace home after 10pm last night in the Harbour View Road area of Knocknaheeny.

The body of a woman in her 70s was found in a downstairs kitchen area, where officers believe the blaze started.

Three fire officers received minor burns and scalds and one had to be admitted to hospital.

READ MORE

Third Officer Adrian Spillett said: "There was extensive damage to the ground floor and smoke and heat damage to the upstairs."

Garda forensic officers were investigating the cause of the fire this morning.

The dead woman, who lived alone, will not be identified by gardai until all next of kin are informed.

The National Safety Council said there were 19 fire deaths up to April 8 this year. There were 39 deaths last year.