Kerosene lamp cause of Mabaruma fire

Jan 12, 2020 News

… burnt remains confirmed to be that of caretaker

Police and the fire department have concluded that an overturned kerosene lamp sparked the blaze that destroyed the house of a pensioner and claimed the life of his caretaker in Mabaruma.

Kerosene lamp cause of Mabaruma fire

At around 22:00 hrs Friday, January 3, Jacklyn Rampersaud was awakened by her neighbours to witness her 73-year-old father’s house being consumed by flames.
Attempts were made to put out the blaze but the severe heat defeated the neighbours who stood nearby with their buckets of water. Judith Fredericks, 58, the caretaker of the house was also missing.
The very next day police and fire investigators visited the scene and made a shocking discovery. A Human skull and charred remains suspected to be that of the caretaker were found among the debris left.
Both neighbours and relatives began to speculate that the fire might have been an act of arson. They supported their assumption by saying that Fredericks was a peaceful woman with one enemy.

Dead Judith Fredericks

Family members said that the enemy and Fredericks would often have fights and brawls. They had just concluded one such brawl the day prior to the incident.
But after thorough investigation by the relevant authorities it was concluded that Fredericks lost her life because of an overturned kerosene lamp.
Earlier that day Fredericks was seen imbibing alcohol with a friend who had left just before dark.
This piece of information has led investigators to believe that Fredericks was intoxicated and might have accidently knocked over one of her kerosene lamps.
The flame from the lamp with the aid of the kerosene caused the fire to spread quickly, trapping the woman inside and consuming the entire wooden structure.

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