An inquest has been formally opened into the death of a shop owner who died as a fire tore through buildings in Kirkby Lonsdale earlier this month.
Ben Taylor was a 45-year-old single man and lived in a property on Main Street in the town, Cockermouth Coroners’ Court was told this morning.
Emergency services were called to Kirkby Lonsdale at around 5.45am on Sunday December 8 to a blaze involving a building opposite the Red Dragon pub.
Properties were evacuated, roads were closed and people were offered shelter in a community support centre.
Around 75 firefighters from 10 fire crews from Cumbria and Lancashire were called out with aerial ladders used as they tackled the blaze.
The court heard that Lancaster-born Mr Taylor died amid a significant fire.
“The circumstances of Mr Taylor’s tragic death are well publicised,” said Kirsty Gomersal, acting senior coroner for Cumbria.
“Mr Taylor was removed from his flat by Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and placed outside.
“Paramedics confirmed Mr Taylor’s death at 6.30am.
“A post mortem examination has been carried out. At present the medical cause of Mr Taylor’s death remains unascertained pending further pathological enquiries.
“Given the circumstances of Mr Taylor’s death, I am satisfied that an inquest is required.”
A statement had been provided by a PC after Mr Taylor was identified to the officer by his cousin.
In order that further enquiries can be made into Mr Taylor’s death, the coroner formally adjourned the inquest until a provisional conclusion date of May 20 2025.
A Kirkby Lonsdale fire disaster support fund has raised over £80,000 to help those affected by the incident.
