Shanklin Blaze Leaves Two Homeless as Arson Probe Launched
A man rescued from a burning building in Shanklin has thanked the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service for saving his life. Dave Dixon, Assistant Manager at The Crab pub, was forced out into the early morning chaos after thick, deadly smoke engulfed the flats on Languard Road.
“Thought It Was a Dream” – Survivor Speaks Out
Speaking outside the gutted property, Mr Dixon described the nightmare moment when choking smoke filled the stairwell. He initially thought the whole ordeal was a bad dream. Tragically, both he and a friend are now homeless after the fire tore through the building.
Police have launched a full arson investigation after two separate seats of fire were found within the stairwell of the multi-dwelling property.
Fire Alarm Fails Amid Early Morning Inferno
One resident claimed the newly installed fire alarm, fitted and tested just a month ago, failed to alert them to the danger. Seven people had to be rescued by firefighters following the blaze that broke out shortly after 3am.
A night porter at the nearby Daish Hotel raised the alarm after hearing an explosion and spotting plumes of smoke pouring from the building.
Massive Firefight to Stop Blaze Spreading
At its peak, around 40 firefighters battled the inferno with seven pumping appliances and two aerial ladder platforms. Their quick action prevented the fire from spreading to an adjacent bed shop.
Police have detained a man found nearby, high on cocaine and trying to stab himself with a pen, but have not confirmed any link to the fire.
A fire investigation team and sniffer dogs from Hampshire have been brought in to crack the case.
Shanklin High Street and surrounding roads were closed overnight to assist fire crews, causing traffic diversions. Those roads have now reopened, but Languard Road remains shut off as investigations continue.
