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Engine arrival was an 'accident'

A converted fire engine hired out for parties ended up at the scene of a fatal blaze because it took a wrong turn, a reveller on board has claimed.

Becky Teasdale was celebrating an 18th birthday party on board the engine when it turned up at Douai Drive in Consett where an elderly man had died. She said the driver immediately left when he realised what had happened and that partygoers were "mortified."

Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade has launched an investigation into the incident.

Ms Teasdale said she and her friends had hired the engine, complete with flashing lights and a siren, because they thought it would be something "different". But their fun turned to horror when they realised they had arrived at a real fire scene as the driver tried to drop revellers off home on 4 February.

She told BBC News: " We ended up there completely by accident after the driver took a wrong turn. "The driver looked stunned and we were absolutely mortified - it really put a downer on the rest of the night. "The chances of that happening are so low and none of us are that nasty that we would do that deliberately."

But she said the incident should not put people off hiring the engine. She said: "It was value for money and we had a really good time - all I would say is be careful where you go."

Crews with the Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Brigade were shocked when they saw the vehicle arrive at the home of James Young, 87, who died in the fire. The converted fire engine is believed to be one operated by Cleadon-based Mr Fireman Parties.

No-one was available for comment when the BBC contacted the firm on Thursday. But its website proclaims the converted vehicle is the "ultimate party machine".

Richard Bull, chief officer of Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade, said he wanted to make sure none of his off-duty officers were on board the converted fire engine. "As chief fire officer I am concerned about old fire engines being used in this manner, and although they are licensed it does nothing to enhance the reputation or standing of the fire and rescue service and its people. "I have been made aware of certain information and I will be investigating to establish the facts and then take appropriate action."

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who licenses these?

Captain cab

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Well down in my manor they are licensed by Wealden.

You couldn't make it up !!!

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IDFIMH