Waterford Fire: Five Dead, What Is the Surviving Child's Condition?

A surviving child from the English family remains in critical condition in hospital following a suspected arson attack in Waterford, Ireland, which has now claimed the lives of five family members. Six-year-old Elliot English died on Friday, 6 November 2026, at Children's Health Ireland (CHI) in Crumlin, Dublin, nearly four weeks after the fire destroyed his family home in Birchwood on 13 October.

Elliot's parents, Kim and Philip English, and his two older brothers, Callum, 12, and Jayden, nine, also died following the incident. The latest death has left another child as the only surviving member of the immediate family known to have been critically injured in the attack.

The surviving child's condition remains a major concern for relatives, friends and the local community, who have been asked by the family to keep the child in their thoughts and prayers.

According to the latest information reported by Irish broadcaster RTÉ on Friday, one other child who sustained critical injuries in the fire remains in hospital.

Two children were initially critically injured in the incident. Elliot was transferred for specialist treatment but died from his injuries on 6 November. The other child continues to receive hospital care.

The English family specifically referred to the surviving child in its statement, asking the public to keep the young family member in their thoughts and prayers.

No further medical details about the child's condition or treatment have been officially disclosed in the latest report. The family has also requested privacy during this extremely difficult period.

An Garda Síochána, Ireland's national police service, confirmed that Elliot died at Children's Health Ireland in Crumlin, Dublin.

The six-year-old had sustained critical injuries when a fire broke out at the family home in the Birchwood area of Waterford city during the early hours of 13 October.

Investigators believe the fire was caused by a deliberate arson attack involving a petrol bomb allegedly thrown at the property.

Elliot's death brought the total number of fatalities from the incident to five. His parents and two brothers died in the initial fire.

Gardaí expressed their condolences to the extended English family, saying their thoughts were with relatives following the latest bereavement.

In a statement reported by RTÉ, the English family confirmed Elliot's death with profound sadness.

Relatives said the family had endured an unimaginable loss and that the latest death had left relatives, neighbours and friends facing an overwhelming period of grief.

They appealed to members of the media and the public to respect their privacy, dignity and right to mourn.

The family also reiterated its concern for the child who remains in hospital, asking people to keep the young survivor in their thoughts and prayers.

The statement thanked everyone who had offered kindness, compassion and support throughout the family's difficult circumstances.

The Garda investigation has resulted in six arrests in connection with the suspected arson attack.

Jessica Dalton, 31, of Waterford city, and Cian Stacey, 21, of no fixed abode, appeared before Waterford District Court in October.

They face charges of criminal damage and two counts of assault causing serious harm in connection with the incident. Both were remanded in continuing custody.

Their next scheduled court appearance is 17 November 2026, when they are expected to appear before Waterford District Court through a video link.

A sixth person arrested during the investigation was released without charge last week. Four other people arrested in connection with the case were also released without charge.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The deaths of Kim, Philip, Callum, Jayden and Elliot have deeply affected the Waterford community. A joint funeral was previously held for the four family members who died in the initial fire.

With Elliot's death, attention has also turned towards the surviving child, whose condition remains critical.

Gardaí continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the suspected arson attack, while the family has asked for privacy as they face the loss of five loved ones.

The next significant development is expected to come from the continuing medical updates concerning the surviving child and the court proceedings scheduled for 17 November.