Electrical Fault in Whirlpool Tumble Dryer Sparks Deadly Fire That Kills Grandmother and Disabled Son, North London Coroner Issues Warning

A recent tragedy involving a faulty Whirlpool tumble dryer has led to a coroner issuing a warning about the dangers of household appliances.

In March of last year, a fire caused by an electrical fault in a new tumble dryer claimed the lives of 86-year-old Champagauri Bhatt and her 66-year-old son Dipak.

The fire engulfed their north London home, leaving their grandson, Pavan Bhatt, devastated and homeless.

Pavan had been coming home from work when a neighbor called to inform him that his home was on fire.

By the time he arrived, it was too late.

The Tragic Loss of Two Loved Ones

Champagauri, who used a wheelchair and was blind, and Dipak, who had brain damage and was non-verbal, were believed to have been asleep when the fire began.

They both suffered from smoke inhalation and were rushed to the hospital.

Despite efforts to save them, Champagauri passed away just two days after the fire, and Dipak died three weeks later, on April 18.

Pavan, in shock and grief, is now speaking out to ensure no other family has to endure such a heartbreaking loss.

A Call for Action on Tumble Dryer Safety

Following the tragic deaths, a coroner’s report has raised serious concerns over the safety of Whirlpool’s Hotpoint brand of tumble dryers.

The investigation revealed that the fire was most likely caused by an electrical fault in the dryer’s pump, which then spread to the surrounding cupboards and eventually consumed the entire house.

The coroner has urged manufacturers to improve the reporting and analysis of appliance-related fires and to enhance communication with fire safety organizations.

Pavan has expressed his hopes that the coroner’s findings will prompt real action from Whirlpool and regulatory bodies.

He emphasized the importance of researching appliances before making a purchase, warning that failing to do so could be as dangerous as “bringing a bomb into your home.”

Whirlpool’s Response and Public Concern

In a statement, Whirlpool acknowledged the tragic event and assured that safety remains their top priority.

They expressed sympathy for the Bhatt family and committed to reviewing the coroner’s findings.

However, Pavan is still calling for Whirlpool to recall the tumble dryers that may have contributed to his family’s loss.

The company has faced criticism for failing to learn from past incidents involving its products, including the deaths caused by faulty Hotpoint and Indesit dryers.

There have been several other incidents involving Whirlpool’s appliances, including a fire in Llanrwst, North Wales, in 2014, and another in Shepherd’s Bush, London, in 2016.

These fires raised concerns about the safety of millions of Whirlpool dryers sold under various brand labels, including Hotpoint, Creda, and Indesit.

A Growing Problem: Faulty Appliances and Fire Safety

As more incidents come to light, experts are urging manufacturers to take immediate action to prevent further tragedies.

The coroner’s recommendations include improving moisture control in condensate pumps, better data management regarding appliance fires, and ensuring that appliance manufacturers follow proper safety standards.

Manufacturers should also be required to take risk assessments to account for the people in the home, particularly those who may be sleeping when a fire occurs.

In light of these findings, Pavan has called on other families to carefully research their household appliances to ensure the safety of their homes.

He continues to fight for a recall of the faulty Whirlpool dryers and is even considering launching a civil claim for compensation due to the costs he has incurred following the fire.

Looking to the Future

The question now remains: will Whirlpool take responsibility for its faulty products and prevent future tragedies?

For Pavan and others affected by similar incidents, the hope is that this will not be the last time a coroner steps in to push for change in the industry.

The damage done by these appliances is far too great, and it is clear that more must be done to protect consumers from these deadly risks.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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