AN estimated 3.5million UK homes could have similar hot water heating systems to the one that led to a baby's death, according to West Somerset Coroner Michael Rose.

Mr Rose was speaking on Monday at the opening of the inquest into the death of Rhianna Hardie, who was scalded by boiling water.

The accident happened in November 2006 after a water tank in the attic over her cot split and boiling water cascaded over her.

Mr Rose said: "Rhianna died as a direct consequence of a thermostat in an immersion heater that failed."

The hearing was told that, as a result, the water in the immersion cylinder continued to heat up beyond the recommended temperature.

The boiling water then backed up into a plastic cold water tank in the attic.

"The boiling water overwhelmed the cold water tank, which subsequently split and cascaded onto Rhianna, who was asleep in the room below with her sister," added Mr Rose.

Meanwhile, Rhainna's parents, Matt Hardie and Charlie Haworth, have told of the horrific moment when the accident happened on their daughter's first night in the council home in Wellington Road, Taunton.

Mr Hardie said: "I heard a loud crashing bang, then I heard Rhianna crying.

"I ran upstairs followed by Charlie and just saw lots of steam.

"I grabbed Rhianna - she was very hot and absolutely soaked and I had difficulty carrying her because of the heat.

"I put her on our bed in the front room."

Miss Haworth grabbed their other daughter, Emily, who was dry.

She told the inquest she the immersion heater had been making a lot of noise.

"I thought it was the water boiling, but didn't assume anything was wrong with it," added Miss Haworth.

"The bedroom was full of steam, with water coming down through the ceiling.

"Downstairs, I picked Rhianna up and put her in the kitchen sink in a bowl of water, still fully dressed."

The inquest hearing continues.

For a full report, see this Thursday's Somerset County Gazette.