Finding into death of Michael Wilson
Deceased
MICHAEL ROWAN WILSON
Demographics
23y, male
Date of death
2009-05-30
Finding date
2011-05-27
Cause of death
inhalation of smoke and fire gases
AI-generated summary
Michael Wilson, 23, died from inhalation of smoke and fire gases in a house fire at his residential home in Mount Evelyn, Victoria. The fire likely originated from a carelessly discarded cigarette in the lounge room that ignited furniture or clothing. Wilson was overcome by toxic smoke and carbon monoxide (carboxyhaemoglobin 28%) and was unable to escape. The coroner noted the absence of smoke detectors in the home and commented that early warning devices may have prevented the death. The fire spread rapidly through the timber house, and by the time emergency services arrived, 75% of the structure was involved. No suspicious circumstances were identified.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Clinical conditions
Contributing factors
- absence of smoke detectors in the home
- carelessly discarded cigarette igniting furniture or clothing in the lounge room
- rapid fire spread through timber construction
- toxic effects of carbon monoxide and fire gases
- occupant unable to escape due to disabling effects of smoke inhalation
Coroner's recommendations
- Smoke detectors should be fitted to all residential homes to provide early warning of fire and prevent deaths from smoke inhalation
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Source and disclaimer
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