Neighbours stunned by flat fire death
Larbert man perishes
NEIGHBOURS watched in horror as firefighters pulled the body of a 50-year-old man from his blazing flat.
Michael Naulty appears to have been overcome by smoke after fire broke out in his home at 72 Franchi Drive, Larbert, last Wednesday evening, March 30.
One woman described how she saw Mr Naulty go into his home around 5.40 p.m. and less than two hours later firefighters were battling to rescue him.
Mr Naulty, who was unemployed but previously worked as a packer, was the only person in the six apartment block at the time of the fire. He lived alone.
It is understood that yesterday (Wednesday) police were still trying to trace relatives.
Anne Dickson, who lives at 86 Franchi Drive, said everyone in the area had been shocked by the tragedy.
She said: "He was a quiet man who kept himself to himself. Always polite, he was an unassuming man, who would always pass the time of day with folk."
Regular
Mr Naulty was a regular at the nearby Stables bar, formerly The Dykes, and his neighbour said all the friends he met there have been stunned by his death.
Ms Dickson told how she thought there was a smell of smoke and looked outside about an hour before the fire was discovered but at that time there was no signs of anything.
She added: "Later, a neighbour who was outside came to my door and said there was a fire and I immediately dialled 999.
''The fire brigade were there really quick and as soon as I said there was someone still inside everyone began running around.
''They were really marvellous but unfortunately, there was nothing they could do for Michael."
The retained unit from Larbert Fire Station was first on the scene and joined by crews from Falkirk and Denny. The fire investigation unit was later called in.
Ms Dickson said: "Everyone is shocked and stunned. It's been a terrible tragedy."
Chief Inspector Bob Hutchison of Stenhousemuir Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances. It is understood the fire started on the cooker in the solo flat's kitchen area.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Falkirk
Tuesday 21 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 7 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 4 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: North west
