A British man tragically died after a fire broke out in a spa at a luxury hotel in Morocco. Anthony Barnes, 48, was in the North African country on a business trip with colleagues and was staying at the five-star Jaal Riad resort.

The trip was part of a work celebration event that took place in March 2023, an inquest into his death was told. Mr Barnes had booked a massage in the hotel’s spa for 3pm on March 22, which he duly attended. Roughly an hour later, plumes of black smoke were seen rising from the spa, prompting hotel staff to rush to the scene.

The businessman’s colleagues went in search of him, making their way to the building’s front door – but all to no avail.

Coroner Caroline Jones revealed that the fire in the spa had been caused by a small explosion.

Emergency services arrived after about 20 minutes, but lacking adequate breathing equipment, they struggled to enter the burning premises, the coroner added.

The 48-year-old was carried out from the spa on a stretcher at around 5.30pm local time, but was later declared dead.

The inquest was told that there was no indication that the fire was started by foul play, and the explosion is believed to have been caused accidentally. An autopsy established the cause of death as smoke inhalation, which exacerbated an undiagnosed coronary artery condition.

“In the opinion of the pathologist, the fact of Anthony’s underlying and seemingly undiagnosed coronary artery disease may have been clinically significant in the setting of smoke inhalation in an environment of reduced oxygen,” the coroner wrote.

The inquest ruled that his tragic death was accidental after having heard all the evidence.

His company, the ONE Group, issued a heartfelt statement following his death.

“It is with the greatest sadness that we share the news that Anthony Barnes, Director and co-owner of The ONE Group, has died in a tragic accident whilst on an overseas business trip,” it said.

Ant’s dedication and commitment to the business over the last 20 years have formed extensive relationships internally and externally.

“We know many of you would consider yourselves friends as well as business associates and will be as shocked and saddened as we are. His loss will be deeply felt by everyone who knew him.”