A man in his 60s has died following a house fire in Hollyhill in the early hours of this morning, with emergency services responding swiftly to the blaze in the Ardcullen area.

The alarm was raised shortly before 1am on Monday morning when fire broke out at the residential property in Ardcullen, a well-established neighbourhood on Cork’s northside. Fire crews from both Anglesea Street and Ballyvolane stations responded to the emergency call.

When firefighters arrived at the scene, they found a woman in her 60s had managed to escape the burning building and was being assisted by neighbours. However, upon entering the property using breathing apparatus, fire crews discovered a man unconscious inside the house.

Paramedics administered emergency treatment at the scene, but despite their efforts, the man was later pronounced dead. The woman was treated for her injuries before being transferred to Cork University Hospital with what are described as non-life-threatening injuries.

Cork City Fire Brigade successfully brought the well-developed blaze under control. The fire is believed to have started accidentally in the downstairs area of the home, though a full investigation is now underway to determine the exact cause.

The house has been sealed off pending a technical examination by fire investigators. An Garda Síochána are expected to release a statement regarding the incident.

The tragedy has shocked the close-knit Hollyhill community, where neighbours were quick to assist when the alarm was first raised in the early hours of Monday morning.