Elderly man dies following fire at Dundee care home

An elderly man has died in hospital following a fire at a Dundee care home over the weekend.

Fire crews were called to the blaze at the Balhousie Clement Park care home in the early hours of Sunday.

The man was initially treated at the home before being transferred to Ninewells Hospital where he died from his injuries.

A police spokesman said: “Police Scotland can confirm that following serious injuries suffered during a fire at Balhousie Care Home, a 78-year-old man sadly died on Monday morning at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee.

“There are no apparent suspicious circumstances and as with all sudden deaths, a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) spokesman said: “Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the bedroom and quickly dealt with the fire and an injured male resident was treated by paramedics at the scene and then taken to hospital by ambulance.

“At the same time, firefighters assisted care home staff with the evacuation of residents from ground-floor bedrooms that had been affected by water from the activation of fire sprinklers on the first floor and also carried out salvage work in the affected bedrooms.

“There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding this incident and the SFRS Fire Investigation Unit and officers from Police Scotland are working together to establish the circumstances surrounding the fire.”

Andy Etherington, interim chief executive of the company said: “It is with great sadness that we received this news today. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the resident’s family and friends at this time.

“We will continue to work closely with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland to aid investigations into the exact cause of the fire.

“I would like to thank employees of Balhousie Clement Park Care Home for their efficient response which ensured the safety of all other residents. Support will continue to be made available to residents, relatives and employees, and all relatives have been contacted.”

The home was opened in 2011 and caters for 49 elderly residents with a variety of conditions.