Hostel fire on Birmingham’s Hagley Road sparks urgent safety concerns after man dies

A hostel fire on Birmingham’s Hagley Road has sparked urgent safety concerns after a man died.

The fire broke out early on Friday morning (9th May) in a fourth floor room at the unnamed hostel in Edgbaston.

Emergency services rushed to the location near Sandon Road at 4.30am, but despite efforts from the West Midlands Ambulance Service, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to Birmingham Live, West Midlands Fire Service dispatched five fire trucks and evacuated the building. Four other residents were safely removed from the building unharmed.

In a statement, MP Preet Kaur Gill described the incident as a “horrific tragedy” and said that she visited the site shortly after being alerted.

“We need to now understand what happened and why, and ensure other residents there and nearby are safe and protected,” she explained.

Ms Gill also expressed concerns about the dense concentration of exempt accommodation in the area, adding: “This part of Hagley Road sees high levels of police and ambulance callouts, as well as antisocial behaviour, drug use, and prostitution.

“These issues are closely linked to the over-saturation of hostels and exempt accommodation. Vulnerable people living here deserve better.”

The MP confirmed she has written to Birmingham City Council, urging it to inspect similar properties in the area to make sure that residents are being properly supported.

Posting on social media following the incident, she said: “My thoughts are with the person who tragically lost his life in a fire that broke out in a HMO on the Hagley Road. I have visited the site and will be working with emergency services to find out how this happened.”

Most Read

A deep dive into Carina Mirabile’s many, many attempts at fame before MAFS Australia

‘It’s not nice’: Zara McDermott reacts to Sam Thompson’s relationship with Samie Elishi

Leaked: The full texts Sierah sent Adrian about Awhina after MAFS really are dreadful

West Midlands Police has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and the circumstances around the man’s death.

A spokesperson said: “We’re investigating after the discovery of a man’s body following a serious fire on Hagley Road.

“We were called to the property, near the junction with Sandon Road, just before 4.30am, Friday. A man’s body was found at the property, and we are working to establish the circumstances of his death and the cause of the fire.

“We are supporting the man’s loved ones at this difficult time.” Anyone with information should contact the police via Live Chat or 101, quoting log 20/234597/25.

Featured image via Google Maps