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

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

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

Tragically, 45-year-old Barry later died from his injuries after 'running back inside to save his little boy', his family said. 

His son was left critically injured and fighting for his life, having suffered 86 per cent burns to his body, his aunt Jessica Wilson said on a GoFundMe page.

The youngster was placed into an induced coma and underwent major surgery, but he died in hospital on Tuesday morning, 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 of our thoughts are with the family of this young boy, who had his entire life ahead of him.

'Together with the earlier death, this is a tragedy for the Wigan community and I know that many people will be shocked by this heartbreaking news. I hope people will join us in sending their 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 the police but it has been disclosed on social media. 

Ethan's family said he had been rushed to hospital following his rescue and was put into an induced coma after having surgery.

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

They wrote: 'He's been down to surgery again last night to try and get blood flowing again in one of his legs. From what I hear it has gone well.

'He is still in an induced coma and will be for some time. The initial diagnosis of 85% burn to his body, has now been reduced to 70%.

'I know this doesn't sound like a big difference but it does increase his chances slightly.' 

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

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

Emergency services responded to reports of a house fire at around 2.30am on Sunday, with neighbours reportedly being woken by the sound of screaming. 

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

Pictures from the burned-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 blazing home to rescue his trapped lad. 

Writing on a GoFundMe page, which has raised almost £18,400 since the blaze, Jessica said: 'We are all absolutely heartbroken, but my sister and her other children have lost absolutely everything.'

Following initial enquiries into the fire, officers do not believe that there are any suspicious circumstances involved. 

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

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

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