Garage director receives suspended sentence over fatal Blackburn fire

Former Smart Auto Parts director admits to fire safety breaches after a blaze claimed a man's life

Garage director receives suspended sentence over fatal Blackburn fire
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A director of a former car garage in Blackburn has received a suspended sentence following a fatal fire at the site. Shahzad Syed Haider (50), from Manchester, was handed a nine-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, at Preston Crown Court after admitting to 13 fire safety breaches.

The fire broke out at Smart Auto Parts Ltd on 24 April 2021, at approximately 18:35 BST, engulfing the car parts scrapyard and workshop. The blaze was intensified by gas cylinders and an asbestos sheet roof. The body of Waqas Qureshi was discovered four days later, according to Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS).

Haider pleaded guilty to breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. These included failing to equip the premises with appropriate fire detection and alarm systems, failing to maintain fire safety equipment, and failing to provide employees with relevant fire safety training.

LFRS noted that at the time of the fire, the building contained 16 vehicles and a forklift truck. The presence of acetylene and LPG cylinders, along with the asbestos roof, led to “complete devastation to the structure and its contents.”

A fire safety investigation on 30 April 2021 identified several serious deficiencies at the premises. These included the absence of a fire alarm system, blocked and inadequate escape routes, a lack of emergency lighting, and no fire safety training for staff.

Matthew Hamer, LFRS Area Manager, commented: “This tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences of neglecting fire safety responsibilities. These breaches contributed to the tragic death of Mr Waqas Qureshi and our thoughts are with his family at this time. The outcome of this case should serve as a stark reminder that fire safety is not optional – it is a legal and moral obligation.”

Source: BBC News

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