Derry woman killed in early morning house fire
Waterside community shocked after death of victim in her 50s
THE woman who died in a horrific house fire in the Waterside area of Londonderry has been named locally as Heather Finlay, who was aged in her 50s.
She was alone in the house at the time of the blaze.
Pictures from the scene on the Rossdowney Road show the extent of the devastation at the house on a semi-rural road on the eastern outskirts of the city.
The alarm was raised at 7.30am.
Emergency services raced to the scene, but the woman’s life could not be saved.
The cause of the blaze is not yet known.
Police have launched an investigation.
Waterside DUP Councillor David Ramsey told the Belfast Telegraph: “It’s really, really sad.
“My heart goes out to the family circle,” he said.
“It’s a shock for everyone in the Waterside to learn that someone has passed away in such tragic circumstances.
“It’s a sad state of affairs.” SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said the local community had been rocked as news of the fire filtered through.
“I want to offer my sincere condolences to the lady’s family and friends at an incredibly difficult time,” the former Stormont minster said.
“I spoke to neighbours this morning who are shocked and deeply saddened.
“I also want to pay tribute to the emergency responders who attended the incident this morning for their bravery and professionalism.”
Sinn Fein MLA Martina Anderson also sent her condolences to the victim’s family.
“The local community was shocked and saddened to learn of the death of a woman in a house fire in the Rossdowney Road area of the city,” she said.
“I commend the efforts of the Fire and Rescue Service in attempting to save the woman.
“My thoughts are with her family, friends and loved ones at this sad time.”
PSNI Inspector Hamilton said: “Police received a report of the fire at 7.30am.
“One woman was taken from the property, but tragically died at the scene.
“The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and will be subject to investigation, in liaison with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.
“The Rossdowney Road remains closed following the incident.
“There are no further details at this time.”