A man has told how he’s been left “heartbroken” after he failed to rescue a neighbour who died in a horror blaze .
David McKay was forced back by smoke as he tried to save a 50-year-old man as fire ripped through a house in Aberdeenshire.
The father-of-four was the first on the scene of the tragedy at Redwell Cottages, in Whitehills, on Saturday night.
He told how firefighters took more than half-an-hour to arrive and they found the man’s body inside the property.
Writing on the North East Police Division’s Facebook page over the weekend, Mr McKay whose four children are all under two-years-old, said: “I was the first there. Sadly I couldnt get in for smoke, i knew there was a guy inside. Heartbreaking. RIP.
“Just couldnt do a thing but wait for the emergency services. Fire has to be the worst thing possible.”
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And replying to someone who commented on his post, he added: “Norma theres not been much sleep, but im ok. Its the most horrible thing I have ever witnessed and feeling so helpless.
“I came straight home and checked my smoke alarms, as I didnt hear it going. Mine are all kaput, and I have 4, all less than 2 years old. Guess I will be shopping for new ones very soon.”
Two other people offered their support to Mr McKay in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Joanne Vincent wrote: “ Maybe talking to someone might help you David...I’ve seen death a few times now...seen some horrendous scenes....and it takes time to heal and the images become less over time...talking definitely helps....take care of yourself and your thoughts.”
While Claire Sivewright added: “David Mckay well done for tryin but nae point risking yer own life. Dinna beat yersel up aboot it.Nothing u cud do. U tried n thats amazing in itsel.”
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Police Scotland confirmed that a 50-year-old man died in the incident in Banffshire.
A spokesman said emergency services attended the scene at 6.30pm on Saturday where they “extinguished the fire and found the man within”.
Detective Inspector Michael McKenzie confirmed the victim’s next of kin are aware, and he added: “A joint investigation will be carried out with the Fire Service to establish the cause of the fire but at this stage there do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances.
“As with all sudden deaths a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
