A father of two has died after leaping from his first-floor bedroom window in a desperate attempt to escape a fire that tore through his home in Dukinfield, Greater Manchester.
Marek Bonawenturski, 53, was critically injured after smashing through the window and jumping to safety as flames engulfed his terraced house on Park Road in the early hours of September 10.
He was rushed to hospital following the incident, but his death has since been confirmed by friends who had launched a fundraising appeal to support him during his recovery.
Fire Destroys Home and Belongings
The blaze broke out at around 4am while Marek, who worked as a security guard, was inside his home.
The fire rapidly spread across a row of four properties, leaving Marek’s house and belongings completely destroyed.
Five fire engines, an aerial appliance, police officers and paramedics were dispatched to Park Road as emergency crews worked to bring the situation under control.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reels to tackle the flames. Images from the scene showed severe fire damage, including a badly charred rear window and part of the roof that appeared to have collapsed.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “At 4am today (Sept 10), five fire engines from Stalybridge, Ashton, Hollins, Mossley and Hyde stations, and one aerial appliance, attended a house fire on Park Road, Dukinfield.”
The spokesperson confirmed that firefighters remained at the scene after extinguishing the blaze and that one person had been taken to hospital by North West Ambulance Service.
The cause of the fire has not been confirmed.
Friend’s Fundraiser Takes on a New Purpose
Marek’s close friend, Edyta Mickiewicz, from nearby Stalybridge, established an online fundraiser while he was still in critical condition.
The original appeal aimed to help cover essential expenses, including clothing, food, temporary accommodation, hospital treatment and rehabilitation. It was also intended to provide materials to help him rebuild his home after the devastating fire.
However, following confirmation of Marek’s death, the purpose of the campaign has changed.
The money raised will now go towards repatriating his body to his native Poland and covering funeral expenses, allowing him to be laid to rest closer to his family and loved ones.
Announcing the heartbreaking news, Edyta wrote: “It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we inform you that Marek has passed away.
“Our hearts are broken, and the magnitude of this tragedy is difficult to put into words.”
The fundraiser reflects the practical and emotional challenges now facing those closest to Marek as they make arrangements following his death.
Emergency Crews Responded in the Early Hours
The response involved firefighters from five stations across the area, alongside police and ambulance personnel.
Crews worked to extinguish the fire and assist those affected, with one person transported to hospital for treatment.
Marek’s injuries proved fatal, leaving his family and friends to deal with the loss while also facing the consequences of the fire that destroyed his home.
As arrangements are made to return him to Poland for his funeral, the fundraiser established during his fight to recover is now intended to help give him a final resting place near his loved ones.
The circumstances surrounding the fire remain under investigation, and authorities have yet to confirm what caused the blaze.