Mother “Devastated” by Decision Not to Prosecute Over Daughter’s Caravan Fire Death

The mother of a two-year-old girl who perished in a caravan fire has expressed her “devastation” following the decision that no legal proceedings will be initiated. Louisiana Brooke Dolan passed away in 2021 at Sealands Caravan Park in Ingoldmells, Lincolnshire, due to a fire that originated in a cupboard housing a gas boiler. A 2023 inquest concluded that the death was accidental, as a definitive cause could not be established. Natasha Broadley, who resides in Newark, Nottinghamshire, stated that she had previously received assurances from officials during meetings that the case would be reviewed again. However, she has now been informed that no charges will be brought forward. Ms Broadley recounted that on the day of the fire, she had voiced concerns about the boiler to the caravan’s owner, and an individual had been dispatched to inspect it. Furthermore, the accommodation lacked a smoke alarm. The mother successfully evacuated the caravan with three of her children, but was unable to save Louisiana. She stated: “I had just gone on holiday. That’s what I always tell people, I had just gone on holiday. That shouldn’t mean I lose my daughter.” “I was in the shower suddenly half the caravan was on fire. If there was a smoke alarm I would, I should, have had way more time to get everyone out.” In August 2022, Lincolnshire Police declared its decision not to pursue any criminal charges regarding Louisiana’s death. Subsequently, in June 2023, Ms Broadley traveled to London to meet with Chris Philp, who was then the fire minister, and her Member of Parliament, Conservative Robert Jenrick. Both pledged their support for a national campaign focused on caravan safety. At that time, she expressed having “so much hope” that the entire case would be re-examined. However, Mr. Jenrick has now sent her a letter confirming that criminal charges will definitively not be pursued. He included a letter from Dame Diana Ruth Johnson, the Minister of State for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention. The letter indicated that the case had undergone a review by the police, the fire service, and the Health and Safety Executive. “Having done so they remain of the same opinion and are confident that they gave this careful consideration at all stages of the process and that every possible avenue of enquiry was pursued,” Dame Diana stated in her correspondence. “While I hope this will give Ms Broadley some reassurance about the robustness of the investigations undertaken, I know in may ways it will not be the news she is hoping for.” Ms Broadley commented: “I am devastated. This is not what I was promised.” She added: “It won’t stop me though, I am going to continue to campaign for justice for my girl.” Mr. Jenrick remarked: “I’m deeply disappointed that the investigation has not led to a criminal prosecution. “I know that this will be painful for Natasha, who deserves justice and the knowledge this couldn’t happen again. “I will be writing to the Attorney General requesting this is reconsidered. My thoughts are with Natasha and her whole family as they continue to deal with the challenges of this truly heartbreaking tragedy.” Ms Broadley also mentioned finding some solace in the fact that regulations concerning caravan gas and fire safety have been enhanced. “People have come up to me and said they are careful to check everything is right with their caravans now, because of what happened.” “I still feel the loss every day but Louisiana has at least made people a bit safer,” she stated.