Man in his 60s dies after fire in Londonderry flat

By Rebecca Black (Press Association)

The death of a man following a fire at a flat in Londonderry has led to a “real sense of shock and sadness” in the city, an MP has said.

Police said the man, aged in his 60s, died following the blaze at a flat in Galliagh on Wednesday afternoon.

A Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) spokesperson said they were called to reports of a fire in a flat in Bloomfield Park at 3.39pm.

They said the cause of the blaze is under investigation.

“The thoughts and sympathies of Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service are with the loved ones of a man who died following a flat fire in Bloomfield Park, Galliagh, Derry/Londonderry,” they said.

“Firefighters were called to reports of a fire in a flat at 3.39pm yesterday (Wednesday August 19 2026). Two appliances from Northland fire station, two appliances from Crescent Link fire station, one appliance and a command support unit from Strabane fire station attended the incident.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used three hose reel jets and one jet to extinguish the fire. Tragically, a man, aged in his 60s, died at the scene.

“The cause of the fire is still under investigation and the incident was dealt with by 6.16pm.”

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said there is a “real sense of shock and sadness in Galliagh and across our city” following the man’s death.

“My thoughts are with his family, friends and all who knew him at this incredibly difficult time,” he said.

“Losing a loved one in such tragic circumstances is unimaginable and I know the local community will support his family, and those closest to him, in the days and weeks ahead.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the emergency services who responded to the incident. They do an incredibly difficult job, often in the most challenging circumstances, and our community relies on them at moments like this.”