A 61-year-old woman perished in an early morning fire on Tuesday that destroyed her home at Lot 95 Number Two Settlement, Blairmont.
Dead is Bibi Shafroon Ramprashad, called “Zina.” Her charred remains were later found in the rubble of the burnt-out house.
Speaking with reporters, her husband, 64-year-old Lokenath Ramprashad, said he left home around 7:00 p.m. on Monday for work at the Pooran Landfill, where he is employed as a watchman. When he returned at about 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday, he found the four-bedroom concrete house completely gutted by flames.
Ramprashad said his wife had been confined to a wheelchair due to illness, making the loss even more heartbreaking.
In addition to mourning his wife’s death, he said the family has also lost all of their belongings in the blaze, including cash and personal items. He estimated the damage at more than $20 million.
The couple’s son, Kevon Ramprashad, said his mother’s remains were discovered in the hall of the house. Based on where she was found, relatives believe she may have been trying to get out through a side door when the fire engulfed the building.
Family members also revealed that they had been preparing a surprise celebration for Bibi’s 62nd birthday, which would have been observed on June 4. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
