Inquest opens into the death of a shop owner who died during a fire in Kirkby Lonsdale

An inquest has opened into the death of a shop owner who lost his life during a fire in Cumbria earlier this month.

Ben Taylor, 45, died inside a property on Main Street in Kirkby Lonsdale on 8 December 2024.

A major response from emergency services happened in the early hours of the morning. The responders had to deal with the blaze involving some flats opposite the Red Dragon Inn on Main Street.

Buildings were evacuated, roads were shut off and the public were given access to shelter inside a community support centre.

Up to a dozen fire crews from across Cumbria were called out to take on the blaze, the Cockermouth Coroners' Court heard on 24 December 2024.

The court heard how Lancaster-born Mr Taylor as part of a "significant fire".

Kirst Gomersal, acting Senior Coroner for Cumbria, said: "The circumstances of Mr Taylor’s tragic death are well publicised."

“Mr Taylor was removed from his flat by Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and placed outside.

“Paramedics confirmed Mr Taylor’s death at 6:30am in the morning. A post mortem examination has been carried out.

"At present the medical cause of Mr Taylor’s death remains unascertained pending further pathological enquiries.

“Given the circumstances of Mr Taylor’s death, I am satisfied that an inquest is required.”

The coroner has adjourned the inquest until a provisional date of 20 May 2025.

A service to celebrate the life of Mr Taylor is due to be held later this month at Beetham Hall Crematorium, near Milnthorpe.

More than £30,000 has been raised to help support people who have been affected by the fire, known as the Kirkby Lonsdale Fire Disaster Impact Support Fund.

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