Mobility scooter battery suspected as culprit behind Adelaide retirement home blaze that claimed the life of an elderly man and seriously injured his wife
An elderly man has died and his wife is in hospital after a suspected mobility scooter fire ripped through an Adelaide retirement village.
Police and firefighters rushed to Crestview Retirement Village in Hillcrest in the city’s north end after a unit went up in flames around 10pm on Monday.
Grace Fielden, 81, escaped the inferno but her 83-year-old husband Trevor died at the scene.
Ms Fielden was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital with minor injuries.
Fire victim Trevor Fielden (left) was a member of the Prospect Broadview Bowling Club in Adelaide
Tony Randello, CEO of Crestview operator Aveo, said early reports from first responders indicated the fire was caused by a mobility scooter battery that was charging overnight.
His thoughts were with the victim’s family, he said in a statement on Tuesday.
Two adjacent villas in the residential block were damaged by the fire, but the residents were not home at the time.
“Aveo is supporting the residents of these villas in making alternative housing arrangements,” Randello said.
Mr. Fielden was a respected and long-time member of the Prospect Broadview Bowling Club.
“It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the sudden passing of Trevor Fielden,” club director Kerry Johnston wrote on Facebook.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Grace as she recovers in hospital. Condolences to Trevor’s family and friends.
“Trevor, you will be missed by everyone at PBBC.”
Police and firefighters rushed to Crestview Retirement Village in Hillcrest after a unit went up in flames. Grace Fielden, 81, escaped the inferno, but her husband died at the scene
Twenty-four firefighters and five vehicles worked for an hour to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to other buildings.
The Metropolitan Fire Service estimates $250,000 in damage was caused to the property.
Fire investigators are investigating the cause of the fire, which is considered non-suspicious.
“We sincerely thank all emergency services personnel for their quick response,” Randello said.
‘Aveo’s community team is providing advice and support to residents and the families of those affected by this incident.’