01 February 2024 , 15:23
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Two sisters who died in a flat fire in Aberdeen have been named as Shikshya and Aanchal Subedi.
The former Aberdeen Grammar School students, who are believed to be in their 20s, were pronounced dead when emergency crews rushed to the blaze at around 6pm on Monday. Their pet cat also died in the fire.
Four other people were treated at the scene and a baby was also taken to hospital as a precaution and was later discharged. Harrowing images from the scene showed firefighters and police officers gathered outside the burnt out building.
A fundraiser set up in the wake of Shikshya and Aanchal's deaths said it aimed to provide money give the sisters "the best send off possible". A friend of the family who launched the online page wrote: "On Monday 29th of January at around 6pm there was a horrific fire in Hilton, Aberdeen. My best friends 2 younger sisters, in their early 20’s tragically, lost their lives in the fire inside their flat - along with their cat."
Aanchal Subedi (Facebook)"No one should have to bury their child, let alone two. I am seeking the generosity and kindness of the public to help raise funds to give these two beautiful, kind, loving girls the best send off they deserve and help the family at this horrific time."
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So far, over £2,500 has been raised. The total target is £6,000.
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "Around 6pm on Monday, 29 January, 2024 officers were called to a report of a fire at a property on Back Hilton Road in Aberdeen. Emergency services attended and two women were pronounced dead at the scene. A baby was taken to hospital as a precaution and was later discharged.
“The fire was put out by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution. The road was closed but has now re-opened and we would like to thank people for their patience.
“A joint investigation with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is ongoing to establish the full circumstances. However, there are no apparent suspicious circumstances at this time.”
Speaking on Tuesday, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Area Commander Andrew Wright said: “We were alerted at 5.58pm on Monday, 29 January, to reports of a dwelling fire on Back Hilton Road, Aberdeen. Operations Control mobilised seven fire appliances and specialist resources to the scene, where firefighters extinguished a fire affecting the first floor of a block of flats. Nearby properties were also evacuated as a precaution.
“Sadly, two people passed away at the scene. A further five casualties were rescued and treated by the Scottish Ambulance Service. Our thoughts are with all of those affected by this incident at this difficult time. Our crews demonstrated unwavering dedication and professionalism as they dealt with an extremely challenging incident in collaboration with the Scottish Ambulance Service and Police Scotland colleagues.
"Crews worked tirelessly to make the area safe before leaving the scene at 9.02pm. A joint investigation with Police Scotland is underway.”