Two people have died in a house fire in West Cork, outside Innishannon, on Tuesday morning, with one of the victims managing to raise the alarm with emergency services before dying in the blaze.
The bodies of a couple in their 70s were found at their home in Raheen, near Crossbarry, after emergency services received a call shortly after 7am.
Their remains were removed from the scene in a hearse around lunchtime. The detached rural house was gutted in the fire.
Cork County Fire Service, gardaí and other emergency services remain at the scene, approximately 16km south-west of Cork city, as crews continue to work to extinguish the blaze.
The approach road to the property remains cordoned off. Smoke could still be seen rising above the tree cover around the ruins of the house.
A recovery truck also removed a car from the scene earlier on Tuesday afternoon.
The fire brigade tackles a house fire in Innishannon, Co Cork, on Tuesday morning. Picture: Noel Sweeney
The cause of the fire has not yet been established and is under investigation.
Sources told the Irish Examiner that the couple were well known in the local area and were “decent people” who were not known to have been involved in anything that would result in their home being targeted.
A neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said he had spoken to the man only on Monday while walking his dog.
“It’s a terrible shock for everyone, they were very quiet, very decent people, God rest them,” he said.
Autopsies will take place on both bodies at Cork city morgue. The findings of the examinations and the investigation into the cause of the fire will determine whether a garda file is required for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
A Garda statement said: “Gardaí and emergency services are currently at the scene of a fire that occurred at a domestic residence in Innishannon, Co. Cork, this morning.
“As this is an ongoing incident no further information is available at this time.”
The scene at Raheen Mountain in Co. Cork where members of the Cork the Fire Brigade are tackling a house fire where it is believed one person has died. Picture: Noel Sweeney
Chief Superintendent Vincent O’Sullivan said: “This is a terrible tragedy for the community and our thoughts and prayers are with the family.”
He appealed to anyone who passed the house before 7am on Tuesday and has information to contact Macroom Garda Station on 026 20590.
The Garda Press Office and Cork County Fire Service have been asked for comment.