Two fire investigators and a forensics expert have been recognised for their work in the aftermath of the Llangammarch Wells farmhouse tragedy.
David Cuthbertson and five of his children – Just Raine, 11, Reef Raine, 10, Misty Raine, 9, Patch Raine, six and Gypsy Raine, four – died in a fire that engulfed the property on the night of October 30 2017. Three other children managed to escape the premises and were taken to hospital.
Group Manager David Hancock and Station Manager Andrew Richards, both from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and Paul Ryder, of Cellmark Forensic Services, were awarded certificates of commendation at a ceremony at Dyfed-Powys Police headquarters in Camarthen on Thursday, April 11.
According to the commendations read out at the ceremony: "Following the tragic incident, the Fire Investigation experts worked diligently with Crime Scene Investigators to establish the cause of the fire.
"The scene was unprecedented in its complexity due to the collapsed structure, confined conditions and presence of the victims remains. By utilising their expertise and working hand in hand with the Disaster Victim Identification teams, anthropologists and Crime Scene Investigators, together they developed a unique strategy to meet the joint aims of victim recovery and fire investigation.
"Their detailed reports were critical in assisting the Coroner’s inquest process and their advice and support to the Senior Investigating Officer was crucial in directing the investigation. "Throughout this lengthy investigation they were credit to Cellmark Forensic Services and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service."