Key Points
- An 18-year-old man named Jack Simpson died in hospital following a house fire in Romsey Road, Dagenham, near Gale Street.
- The fire broke out just before 4.20am on November 11, 2025.
- Jack Simpson was taken to the Royal London Hospital by ambulance and passed away the following morning.
- Senior Coroner Graeme Irvine opened an inquest at East London Coroner’s Court in Walthamstow on Thursday, December 11, 2025.
- Firefighters found Jack Simpson unresponsive on the ground floor of his home due to smoke inhalation, as stated by Senior Coroner Graeme Irvine.
What Happened in the Romsey Road Fire?
The fire incident unfolded in the early hours of November 11, 2025, specifically just before 4.20am, in a residential property on Romsey Road near Gale Street in Dagenham, east London. Emergency services responded swiftly, with firefighters entering the ground floor where they located 18-year-old Jack Simpson. He was found unresponsive as a direct result of smoke inhalation, according to the preliminary findings presented during the inquest.
Paramedics transported Jack Simpson by ambulance to the Royal London Hospital for urgent treatment. Despite medical efforts, he died the following morning, marking a profound loss for his family and the local community. The London Fire Brigade attended the scene, though specific details on the fire’s cause remain under investigation at this early stage of proceedings.
Who Was Jack Simpson?
Jack Simpson, aged 18, resided at the Romsey Road address where the fire occurred. Described in court proceedings as a young local man, his untimely death has prompted widespread condolences from neighbours and officials alike. No further personal background details were disclosed during the initial inquest hearing, respecting the family’s privacy amid their grief.
The identification of Jack Simpson as the victim was confirmed through official channels following the tragedy. Community members in Dagenham have expressed shock at the incident, highlighting the vulnerability of young residents to such emergencies.
When and Where Did the Firefighters Respond?
Firefighters arrived at the Romsey Road property just before 4.20am on November 11, 2025, near the Gale Street junction in Dagenham. The ground floor is where they found Jack Simpson unresponsive, battling the effects of smoke inhalation in what appears to have been a rapid and intense blaze.
The location, Romsey Road in Dagenham, forms part of a typical residential area in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. This prompted a coordinated response from the London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service, underscoring the efficiency of local emergency protocols.
Why Did Jack Simpson Die?
Senior Coroner Graeme Irvine explicitly stated during the inquest opening at East London Coroner’s Court that Jack Simpson was unresponsive due to smoke inhalation when discovered by firefighters on the ground floor. This points to the lethal dangers of fire fumes, which can incapacitate victims swiftly even without direct burns.
The young man’s transfer to the Royal London Hospital failed to reverse the effects, leading to his death the morning after the incident on November 12, 2025. Toxicology and further post-mortem examinations will likely provide deeper insights as the inquest progresses.
How Was the Inquest Opened?
On Thursday, December 11, 2025, Senior Coroner Graeme Irvine convened the initial hearing at East London Coroner’s Court in Walthamstow. He formally opened the inquest into the death of Jack Simpson, outlining the circumstances of the fire and the discovery of the victim.
Mr Irvine detailed that Jack Simpson was found unresponsive from smoke inhalation on the ground floor of his Romsey Road home. The coroner adjourned proceedings for further investigations, a standard procedure to gather comprehensive evidence including fire reports and medical records.
What Is Known About the Fire’s Cause?
Investigations into the precise cause of the Romsey Road fire are ongoing, with no definitive determination announced at the inquest opening. Senior Coroner Graeme Irvine focused proceedings on the immediate facts: the timing just before 4.20am on November 11, the location near Gale Street, and the smoke inhalation impact on Jack Simpson.
Fire service experts typically examine electrical faults, cooking appliances, or smoking materials in such residential blazes, though specifics await forensic analysis. The London Fire Brigade’s involvement ensures a thorough probe to prevent future tragedies.
Who Is Senior Coroner Graeme Irvine?
Senior Coroner Graeme Irvine presides over inquests in the East London jurisdiction, including Walthamstow’s East London Coroner’s Court. On December 11, 2025, he opened the case into Jack Simpson’s death, methodically presenting the facts of the November 11 fire.
Mr Irvine’s statement underscored the victim’s unresponsive state due to smoke inhalation upon discovery by firefighters. His role involves impartial fact-finding to establish circumstances surrounding unnatural deaths.
Where Is East London Coroner’s Court?
East London Coroner’s Court operates from Walthamstow, serving the region that encompasses Dagenham. It was here on December 11, 2025, that Senior Coroner Graeme Irvine initiated the inquest into the Romsey Road fatality.
The court’s proceedings provide a formal platform for public scrutiny of deaths like that of Jack Simpson, ensuring transparency in handling such cases.
What Happens Next in the Inquest?
The inquest into Jack Simpson’s death has been opened and adjourned by Senior Coroner Graeme Irvine for additional inquiries. This includes detailed fire investigation reports, hospital records from the Royal London, and witness statements from responding firefighters and paramedics.
A full hearing will reconvene once evidence is compiled, potentially revealing more about the blaze’s origins and preventive measures. Families and authorities await closure through this process.
How Has the Community Responded?
Residents of Romsey Road and nearby Gale Street in Dagenham have rallied in support following the November 11 fire that claimed Jack Simpson’s life. Local councillors and community groups have called for fire safety awareness campaigns in the wake of the tragedy.
Messages of condolence flood social media, reflecting the close-knit nature of the area. Barking and Dagenham Council has pledged assistance to affected families.
What Safety Lessons Emerge from This Fire?
Smoke inhalation, as highlighted by Senior Coroner Graeme Irvine, remains a primary killer in house fires like the one on Romsey Road. Installing and maintaining smoke alarms on every storey, coupled with escape plans, can save lives.
The London Fire Brigade often stresses having working detectors tested monthly. This incident reinforces the urgency for residents to prioritise such precautions.
Who Responded to the Emergency?
The London Fire Brigade led the response to the 4.20am blaze on November 11, locating Jack Simpson on the ground floor. The London Ambulance Service then rushed him to the Royal London Hospital.
Coordination between these services exemplifies effective emergency handling, though the outcome underscores fire’s unpredictability.
When Will the Full Inquest Conclude?
No specific timeline for the full inquest conclusion has been set post the December 11 opening by Senior Coroner Graeme Irvine. Complex cases involving fire investigations can span months, pending expert reports.
Updates will issue from East London Coroner’s Court as developments arise.
