Newark mum Natasha Broadley receives support from government Ministers Chris Philp and Robert Jenrick to implement Louisiana’s Law after daughter’s death in Ingoldmells caravan fire

Government ministers are said to unwavering in their commitment to turning the tragedy of the death of a two-year-old in a caravan fire into a catalyst for change.

Natasha Broadley lost her daughter Louisiana Brooke Dolan to a fire in their holiday caravan at Sealands Caravan Park, Ingoldmells, in August 2021.

On Tuesday, she met with.with Minister-of-State for Crime, Policing and Fire, Chris Philp in a meeting brokered by Newark MP Robert Jenrick, who is the immigration minister, at Portcullis House to further her campaign for Louisiana’s Law.

A fire broke out in a boiler cupboard in the holiday caravan let that Natasha and her four children were staying in and quickly spread, destroying 90% of the caravan. While Natasha was able to rescue the other children, Louisiana could not be located and died from smoke inhalation.

An inquest verdict for the toddler was accidental death. the inquest heard that the gas safety certificate for the boiler in their caravan had expired five months before the fire.

Although the fire started in the caravan's boiler cupboard, investigators were unable to determine the cause.

The owners of Sealands Caravan Park have never been prosecuted over the incident.

Natasha believes the fire was started by a faulty boiler and is determined to change the law and make sure that others don’t go through the same agony.

She wants the law changed, Louisiana’s Law, to make health and safety checks and gas certificates mandatory for caravans.

Natasha said that the meeting with the two Ministers had given her fresh hope.

“I’m going to get the justice that she deserves. She deserves this and so much more. If she makes a difference I would feel so much better,” she said.

“As I said to the Minister yesterday, I went on holiday, that is all I did and I came back with one less child, that is not fair.

“My life is in their hands at the minute.”

“I’m not going to give up because I know what it was, I put my children to bed and I know that was not an accident,” Natasha said.

“Fingers crossed the inquest will be heard again.”

“Now it will be probably a bit of a hard time, going through all of it again as it is brought back up, but it will be worth it.”

Mr Jenrick said: “I organised a crucial meeting with Chris Philp MP, the Police and Fire Minister, with a clear objective: to seek justice for this appalling incident and prevent its recurrence. We are unwavering in our commitment to turn this tragedy into a catalyst for change, ensuring that individuals like Natasha can enjoy holidays with safety and peace of mind.

“The fact that the caravan lacked a functioning smoke alarm, and an up-to-date gas safety certificate is simply unacceptable. Natasha's pursuit of justice aims to increase the responsibility of caravan park site owners.

“In collaboration with national bodies representing caravan park sites across the country, we are working to strengthen legal obligations and ensure owners fulfil their duty to protect their guests, and all those renting caravans to go on holiday. Essential safety measures, such as functional fire and smoke alarms, along with up-to-date gas certificates, must be rigorously upheld.

“Natasha's unimaginable loss compels us to take decisive action. We must guarantee that families embarking on holiday adventures can do so with confidence, knowing their safety is paramount. Our efforts extend beyond addressing the immediate aftermath of this tragedy, we strive for a comprehensive, nationwide approach to fire and gas safety in all caravan park sites.

“Holidays should be cherished moments of joy and relaxation, and it is our duty to guarantee the safety and peace of mind of all holiday-goers.”