Shock after man dies in Aberdeen flat blaze

A video taken by neighbours shows black smoke billowing from the property with fire crews at the scene.

By Graham Fleming & Louise Glen

June 10 2024, 2:29 pm

Middlefield Crescent where it is understood a man died after a fire in a domstic property. Image: Supplied.

An Aberdeen man has died in a flat fire in Hilton.

The 61-year-old Middlefield Crescent resident passed away as a result of the blaze which took place on Thursday, June 6.

Firefighters tried to put out the fire after it was reported to them around 7am.

Emergency services could be seen working outside the home in the early morning as black smoke came out of the flat’s windows.

A video, taken by neighbours, shows the full extent of the damage which shattered its windows and charred its walls.

Neighbour tells of desperate attempt to help man in hour of need

A next-door-neighbour also told of his last-ditch attempt to rescue him from the inferno.

Three residents joined forces to attempt a daring rescue by breaking down the door, but it was locked too tight.

Speaking to The Press and Journal, he told how he called the fire brigade before trying to force entry.

“It was me that raised the alarm so I was on the front line.

“His smoke alarm was always going off, but unfortunately this time it was real and smoke was billowing out of the windows.

“We tried to get in the front door to help him – but unfortunately it was latched.

“There was three of us from the street trying to force it open but it was just too secure.

The flat was heavily damaged by the fire. Image: Graham Fleming/DC Thomson.

“By that point I seen the flames, and my attention turned to my disabled wife who I had to help. I had to get her cleared from the building as quickly as possible,

“I had phoned the fire brigade by that point and they were on their way.

“When you see what the fire looked like, you didn’t really expect anyone to survive it. It was really bad.

“I was surprised the rest of the building survived.

“He didn’t do us any harm, I wished we could have known him better or it might have been a different outcome.

“It’s terribly sad.”

Another neighbour, who didn’t wish to be named, said: “It was so sad to hear about his passing, I was really shocked to see what had happened to the house.

“I hope he is at peace now.”