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Coroner criticises MoD over Afghanistan fire deaths Coroner criticises MoD over Afghanistan fire deaths
(about 1 hour later)
A coroner has criticised the MoD for a series of failures over the deaths of two soldiers in a fire as they slept in a tent at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan.A coroner has criticised the MoD for a series of failures over the deaths of two soldiers in a fire as they slept in a tent at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan.
Recording a narrative conclusion, Wiltshire and Swindon coroner David Ridley said he would produce a report on preventing further such deaths.Recording a narrative conclusion, Wiltshire and Swindon coroner David Ridley said he would produce a report on preventing further such deaths.
Pte Rob Wood, 28, from Hampshire, and Pte Dean Hutchinson, 23, from Durham, were killed in the fire in 2011.Pte Rob Wood, 28, from Hampshire, and Pte Dean Hutchinson, 23, from Durham, were killed in the fire in 2011.
The Ministry of Defence now has 56 days to reply in writing.The Ministry of Defence now has 56 days to reply in writing.
Mr Ridley listed eight areas where there was either a "systemic failure" or "failure" in the circumstances that led to the men's deaths. An Army spokesman said: "The coroner has identified a number of failings that contributed to their tragic deaths for which we are very sorry.
"A number of improvements have been made to fire safety procedures since 2011 but we will study the coroner's recommendations to ensure everything is being done to reduce the risk to personnel and prevent future incidents."
Mr Ridley listed eight areas where there was either a "systemic failure" or "failure" in the circumstances that led to the men's deaths in the early hours of 14 February 2011.
The soldiers, who served with the Royal Logistic Corps, were sleeping in a tented "transport troop" office so they could respond more quickly when vital supplies arrived at the military base.
During the 10-day inquest in Salisbury, Wiltshire, eyewitnesses described smelling smoke coming from an area housing a flat-screen TV, boiler and fridge and seeing flames coming from cabling leading to an air conditioning unit.
Investigators have concluded the fire started in the vicinity of the electrical appliances and quickly spread, igniting combustible materials stored nearby.
Logistical centre
In making his narrative conclusion, the coroner listed "contributory factors" in the deaths of the two soldiers:
In its response, the MoD will have to give details of actions that have been taken or are proposed to be taken, or an explanation as to why no action will be taken to prevent future similar deaths.In its response, the MoD will have to give details of actions that have been taken or are proposed to be taken, or an explanation as to why no action will be taken to prevent future similar deaths.
Pte Wood and Pte Hutchinson, who served with the Royal Logistic Corps, died when the fire swept through a logistical centre at Camp Bastion in Helmand province in the early hours of 14 February 2011, the 10-day inquest in Salisbury, Wiltshire, heard.