Updated: Man dies in Paola house blaze

A 72-year-old man died in hospital early this morning after a fire in his house in St Francis Street, Paola, last night, the police said.

The fire was reported at about 11.15 p.m. The man was in the house with his 68-year-old wife. But while she managed to get out safely, neighbours who rushed in to help the man were pushed back by the smoke, and the man was eventually found, with difficulty, by rescuers from the Civil Protection Department.

He was taken to Mater Dei Hospital, where he passed away at about 1 a.m.

Two Civil Protection Department rescuers needed medical attention.

Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani is holding an inquiry.

The police in a second statement early this afternoon said the fire appeared to have been accidental. The residence was considerably damaged.