A man is being hailed a hero in his native Thurles, Co Tipperary, after he entered a burning house and saved two small children trapped in a back kitchen.
Fire personnel said only for the quick action of Francis Delaney and other neighbours there would almost certainly have been fatalities.
The fire, which broke out at around 4.30pm yesterday, caused extensive damage to the home in Mitchell Street. It was brought under control by three fire units from Thurles and Templemore.
Three of five children inside managed to get out, but two aged just three and four were still trapped inside.
Mr Delaney, who was shopping in Walsh's butchers next door, heard the commotion, and went to help.
He said the flames were coming out the front hall door and he could hear children crying. He tried to enter the house by the front, but the heat was too intense.
He was told that two children were in the back kitchen. He used a fire extinguisher to break through the back door.
While he could hear them, he still could not see the children as the smoke was so intense. He told them to lie down on the floor, and they then managed to crawl to safety.
They were brought to Nenagh General Hospital and treated for smoke inhalation.
