Man, 60s, Dies in Cork House Fire; Woman Hospitalized

UPDATE: A man in his 60s has tragically died following a house fire in Hollyhill, Co Cork, late last night. The incident occurred around 12:45 AM at a residence in the Ardcullen residential development, prompting immediate response from emergency services.

According to officials, as firefighters from the Cork City Fire Brigade extinguished the blaze, they found the man unresponsive inside the home. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. A woman in her 60s, who managed to escape with the help of neighbors, was rushed to Cork University Hospital for treatment of injuries that are reportedly “not life-threatening.”

Victor Shine, Second Officer of the Cork City Fire Brigade, confirmed that the call came in at 00:42 AM. “When crews arrived, one person was out of the house and being tended to by neighbours,” he stated. “Upon entering the property, resuscitation efforts were made for the second male, but sadly he did not survive.”

The scene is currently sealed off as investigations continue, with a technical examination set to be conducted to determine the cause of the fire. A post-mortem examination will also be carried out, and local authorities have been notified.

In a separate incident, authorities are investigating the death of a 77-year-old man, Gus Dempsey, who was found on a road in Bandon, Co Cork, earlier this morning. At approximately 6:30 AM, a passerby discovered Dempsey’s body next to his bicycle. Emergency services pronounced him dead at the scene, and a post-mortem examination is pending.

Dempsey’s passing comes just months after he lost his home in a fire, highlighting a tragic series of events for the retired farmer. After the previous fire, he had been living with a neighbor while awaiting emergency accommodation approval from Cork County Council.

Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding Dempsey’s death or those who observed a male cycling in the Kildarra area during the early hours to come forward. Gardaí are particularly interested in any dash-cam footage from road users in the vicinity. Witnesses can contact Bandon Garda Station at 023 885 2200 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.

As investigations into both incidents unfold, local communities are left in shock, grappling with the loss and the urgent need for answers. Stay tuned for further updates on these developing stories.