A BRITISH businessman died after being trapped in a spa following an explosion that set the building on fire, an inquest heard.
Anthony Barnes, 48, was in a business trip with colleagues to the five-star resort Jaal Riad in Morocco when the room he was in was filled with thick black smoke.
The director arrived at the resort on March 22, 2023 for a “work celebration event,” according to an investigation.
At around 3pm that day, Mr Barnes arrived for a massage at the hotel spa and left his colleagues to relax by the pool.
About an hour later, her friends noticed staff rushing toward the spa as plumes of black smoke rose into the air.
Unable to locate Anthony outside, his colleagues headed to the front door of the building, according to the investigation.
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Further investigation revealed that a small explosion had occurred inside the spa, causing a fire and smoke, coroner Caroline Jones said.
After about 20 minutes, emergency services arrived and firefighters attempted to enter the building, but “struggled to gain access and did not appear to have appropriate breathing equipment,” Jones added.
Around 5:30 p.m., Anthony was stretchered out and tragically declared dead later that day.
There is no evidence of criminal activity and the explosion is believed to have been an accident, according to the investigation.
Anthony was found to have died from smoke inhalation related to underlying, undiagnosed coronary artery disease.
“In it opinion “According to the pathologist, the fact that Anthony had underlying and apparently undiagnosed coronary artery disease may have been clinically significant in the context of smoke inhalation in a reduced oxygen environment,” the coroner wrote.
His death was determined to be an accident.
In a heartfelt statement after his death, his company, ONE Group, said: “It is with the greatest sadness that we share the news that Anthony Barnes, director and co-owner of The ONE Group, died in a tragic accident while on a business trip abroad.
“Ant’s dedication and commitment to the business over the past 20 years has formed extensive internal and external relationships.
“We know that many of you would consider yourself friends and business partners and will be as shocked and saddened as we are.
“His loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him.”
It comes just days after a British tourist was found dead on the Belizean island of Caye Caulker, just a day after checking into his hotel for what was supposed to be a dream holiday.
The 52-year-old man arrived on the island on Monday and checked into the Casa Vista hotel.
Less than 24 hours later, neighbors reported hearing a loud bang outside the accommodation.
When they rushed to investigate, they found the man unconscious on the ground.
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He was rushed to Caye Caulker. Health Center.
Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries that same night.
