Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Gerry Hand

Irishwoman breaks both feet jumping from burning home

A 55-year-old woman is recovering in hospital after breaking both feet in a dramatic leap to safety after her house went on fire.

Dee Lawes jumped from a first floor window onto concrete pavement when she became trapped in a smoke-filled bedroom in Navan, Co Meath on Monday night.

Her husband Alan, an Independent member of Meath County Council, revealed just how lucky she was.

Read More: Stark electric scooter warning issued after Irish home destroyed in fire

He said: "When she was woken by the smoke she first tried to get out the bedroom door and was beaten back by the flames, so she immediately slammed that door shut and went to the window and jumped.

"The fortunate thing was that a few weeks ago that window was broken and wouldn't open but we had a man round to fix it last week. Only for that I dread to think what would have happened.

"One of our neighbours heard the alarm going and looked out to see Dee in a heap on the concrete and thought she had tripped on the doorstep, so she ran out to help and the first thing Dee said was 'can you save my dogs?'

"The dogs were in the kitchen downstairs and for some reason the fire, which started in the hot press, contained itself upstairs, so the neighbour was able to get the dogs out.

"Dee's legs are too swollen to be operated on just yet and she was given the choice of going home until the swelling went down, but decided it was safer to stay in the hospital."

Ironically Alan, who is regarded as a champion for homeless people in Meath, now finds himself homeless and is looking for somewhere to rent.

He said: "It is funny how it works out. I am actually considering buying a mobile home, I'd probably get my money back on that when my house is repaired.

'Look, bricks and mortar can be fixed, it's just great that Dee's quick thinking and bravery saved her life."

READ NEXT:

Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.