Wigan fire: Boy, 4, dies in hospital two days after house fire also killed his father, who ran back into burning building to save him

A four-year-old boy who was seriously injured during a devastating house inferno that also claimed the life of his hero father who rescued him has died.

Ethan Mason was pulled from the burning building in Wigan by his brave father Barry Mason at around 1am on Sunday.

Tragically, 45-year-old Barry later died of his injuries after ‘running back to save his little boy’, his family said.

His son was left critically injured and fighting for his life after suffering 86 percent burns to his body, his aunt Jessica Wilson said on a GoFundMe page.

The young man was placed in a coma and underwent a major operation, but he died in hospital on Tuesday morning, the police said.

Four other people are still receiving treatment for their injuries, Greater Manchester Police added.

Detective Inspector Lee Gridley, from GMP’s Wigan district, said: ‘This is a devastating incident and all our thoughts go out to the family of this young lad who had his whole life ahead of him.

‘Along with the previous death, this is a tragedy for the Wigan community and I know many people will be shocked by this heartbreaking news. I hope people will join us in sending our absolute best wishes to all those involved in this incident as they begin their journey in the healing process.’

Barry’s name has not been confirmed by police, but it has been revealed on social media.

Ethan’s family said he had been rushed to hospital after his rescue and was placed in an induced coma after undergoing surgery.

And a post shared on social media revealed their hope he could pull through after suffering life-changing injuries.

They wrote: ‘He’s been down for surgery again last night to try to get the blood flowing again in one of his legs. From what I’ve heard, it’s been going well.

‘He is still in an induced coma and will be for some time. The original diagnosis of 85% burns to his body has now been reduced to 70%.

‘I know this doesn’t sound like much of a difference, but it does increase his chances a bit.’

However, the police sadly confirmed today that a four-year-old boy had died this morning from his serious injuries.

They added that after initial investigations into the fire, officers do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances involved.

Emergency services responded to reports of a house fire around 2:30 a.m. Sunday, with neighbors reportedly awakened by the sound of the screams.

Emergency services responded to reports of a house fire around 2:30 a.m. Sunday, with neighbors reportedly awakened by the sound of the screams.

The raging fire engulfed the semi-detached house and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it first broke out in the kitchen before spreading to the roof.

Pictures from the burnt out building show how the fire had left a gaping hole in the two-storey property

Ethan’s aunt Jessica said the youngster’s father ran back into the burning home to save his trapped boy.

Writing on one GoFundMe page, which has raised almost £18,400 since the fire, Jessica said: ‘We are all absolutely devastated but my sister and her other children have lost absolutely everything.’

After initial investigations into the fire, officers do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances involved.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue is continuing to investigate the cause of the fire and is in regular contact with officers.

“While we are not treating the incident as suspicious, if anyone has any information they believe is important please contact us. You can do this by calling the police on 101 quoting log 393 of 14/04/2024,” added Det Insp Gridley.

The family has asked for their privacy as they come to terms with their loss and has asked people to respect their grieving process, police said.