Wigan fire: Boy, 4, dies in hospital two days after house fire that also killed his father who ran back into burning building to save him

A four-year-old boy who was seriously injured in a devastating home inferno that also claimed the life of his hero father who saved him has died.

Ethan Mason was pulled from the burning building in Warrington Road, Wigan, by his brave father Barry Mason at around 1am on Sunday.

Tragically, Barry, 45, later died from his injuries after “running back inside to save his son,” his family said.

His son was left seriously injured and fighting for his life after suffering 86 percent burns to his body, his aunt Jessica Wilson said on a GoFundMe page.

The boy was put into a medically induced coma and underwent major surgery, but died in hospital on Tuesday morning, police said.

Four other people are still being treated for their injuries, Greater Manchester Police said.

Detective Inspector Lee Gridley, of GMP Wigan District, said: “This is a devastating incident and all our thoughts are with the family of this young boy, who had his whole life ahead of him.

“Along with the previous death, this is a tragedy for the Wigan community and I know many people will be shocked by this heartbreaking news. I hope people will join us in sending their very best wishes to everyone involved in this incident as they begin their journey in the healing process.”

Barry’s name has not been confirmed by police, but has been announced on social media.

Ethan’s family said he was rushed to hospital after his rescue and put into an induced coma following surgery.

And a post shared on social media revealed their hopes he would pull through after life-changing injuries.

They wrote: ‘He had another operation last night to try and get the blood flowing back into one of his legs. From what I hear it went well.

‘He is still in an induced coma and will be for some time. The initial diagnosis of 85% burns to his body has now been reduced to 70%.

“I know that doesn’t sound like a big difference, but it does increase his chances a bit.”

However, police today sadly confirmed that a four-year-old boy died this morning from his serious injuries.

They added that after the initial investigation into the fire, officers do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances.

Emergency services responded to reports of a house fire at around 2.30am on Sunday, with neighbors reportedly woken by the sound of screaming.

Emergency services responded to reports of a house fire at around 2.30am on Sunday, with neighbors reportedly woken by the sound of screaming.

The raging blaze engulfed the semi-detached home, with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirming the initial blaze broke out in the kitchen before then spreading to the roof.

Photos of the burnt-out building show how the fire left a gaping hole in the two-storey building

Ethan’s aunt Jessica said the boy’s father ran back into the burning house to save his trapped boy.

Write on one GoFundMe page, which has raised almost £18,400 since the fire, Jessica said: ‘We are all heartbroken, but my sister and her other children have lost absolutely everything.’

After an initial investigation into the fire, officers do not assume that there are any suspicious circumstances.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue continues to investigate the causes of the fire and is in regular contact with officers.

“While we are not treating the incident as suspicious, if anyone has information they believe is important, please contact us. You can do this by calling police on 101, quoting log 393 of April 14, 2024,” Det Insp Gridley added.

The family has asked for their privacy as they deal with their loss and has asked people to respect their grieving process, police said.