Key Points:
- 76-year-old Robert Price died from a fire caused by a firework thrown into his home.
- Nathan Otitodilchukwu, 18, and a 16-year-old, whose identity remains protected, have pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
- The fire occurred on July 27 at Mr Price’s home in Dagenham, caused by a group of males throwing a lighted flare into the property.
- Mr Price’s cause of death was confirmed as inhalation of fire fumes and burns.
- The sentencing of Otitodilchukwu and the 16-year-old has been postponed to May.
- The Old Bailey heard that Otitodilchukwu did not throw the firework but was involved in starting the fire.
- The incident occurred in Oval Road North, Dagenham, at around 6 pm.
Robert Price, 76, tragically died in a fire at his home in Oval Road North, Dagenham, on July 27, 2024 as reported by By Josh Bolton, the Court and crime reporter at Romford Recorder. The fire was sparked when a group of individuals threw a lighted firework or flare into his property. Despite the arrival of paramedics, Mr Price was declared dead shortly before 6pm, and the cause of death was later confirmed as “inhalation of fire fumes and burns.”
Who is responsible for the fire and the death of Robert Price?
Nathan Otitodilchukwu, 18, from Romford, and a 16-year-old minor have both admitted to manslaughter charges in relation to Mr Price’s death. Otitodilchukwu was not directly responsible for throwing the firework but was part of the group that instigated the fire. The teenager and the minor were due to be sentenced on April 25, but their hearing has been postponed until May 2025.
What is the legal status of the teenagers involved in the Dagenham fire incident?
Both Otitodilchukwu and the 16-year-old have pleaded guilty to manslaughter, a charge resulting from their involvement in the deadly incident. The court proceedings at the Old Bailey revealed that the pair were part of a group of males seen approaching Mr Price’s home and throwing a lighted flare into the property.
What was the cause of Robert Price’s death?
According to a forensic post-mortem report, the cause of Robert Price’s death was inhalation of fire fumes and burns. The fire, which resulted from the firework being thrown into the house, led to the fatal injuries that led to his untimely passing.
Deadly Consequences of Firework Misuse in East London
The tragic death of Robert Price is not an isolated case. In recent years, East London has witnessed multiple fatal incidents linked to the reckless use of fireworks. Below are some of the most significant cases, underscoring the urgent need for greater awareness and regulation.
Josephine Smith – Romford (2021)
- Date: October 28, 2021
- Victim: Josephine Smith, 88
- Details: Two teenagers, Kai Cooper (18) and Callum Dunne (15), inserted a lit firework through Mrs. Smith’s letterbox as a prank. The explosion set her home on fire while she slept, leading to her death from smoke inhalation and burns.
- Legal Outcome: Cooper received a sentence of six and a half years (plus two on licence), while Dunne was jailed for three years and eight months.
- Impact: The incident sparked public outcry and renewed calls for stricter regulation of firework sales and use.
Emergency Services and firework Regulation
- During the 2023 Bonfire Night and Diwali period, London Fire Brigade received over 2,000 emergency calls, marking a 13% rise from the previous year and the busiest Bonfire Night since 2016.
- Fire authorities continue to urge the public to attend professionally managed firework displays rather than using fireworks at home.
- UK law prohibits selling fireworks to anyone under the age of 18, and limits their use to between 11 PM and 7 AM, except on designated celebration days.
Note: The statements regarding Robert Price Dagenham fire death is originally covered by Josh Bolton on Romford Recorder.
