Police confirm man’s death at scene of fire in Westgate

A man in his 40s has been confirmed as deceased and another person taken to hospital following a fire in Westgate this morning (December 12).

Police, fire crews, paramedics and gas workers were called to a property in Westgate Bay Avenue at around 6am.

Five fire engines and a height vehicle attended and crews, wearing breathing apparatus, used hose reel and main jets to extinguish the fire.

A Kent Police spokesperson said: “Kent Police was called to assist at 6.09am following a fire at property in Westgate Bay Avenue, Westgate-on-Sea.

“Officers attended along with Kent Fire and Rescue Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service. The fire was extinguished and a man in his 40s was confirmed deceased. His next of kin has been informed.

“The cause of the fire is not yet known and emergency services will remain in the area while enquiries are completed at the scene.”

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson added: “Firefighting operations are now complete at the scene of a flat fire on Westgate Bay Avenue, Westgate on Sea.

“Five fire engines and a height vehicle attended and crews, wearing breathing apparatus, used hose reel and main jets to extinguish the fire.

“Sadly, one person died. Another person was taken to hospital for further medical treatment.

“An investigation into the cause is underway.”

A South East Coast Ambulance spokesperson added: “SECAmb were called at approx. 5:55am to support Kent Fire and Rescue Service at reports of a flat fire on Westgate Bay Avenue, in Westgate-on-Sea.

“Multiple crews attended but sadly one person died at the scene. A second patient was taken to a local hospital for further medical treatment.”