FATAL FIRE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 252, 6 August 1941, Page 6

FATAL FIRE

MARRED WOMAN’S DEATH, HER HUSBAND INJURED. HOUSE DESTROYED AT AUCKLAND. (P.A.) AUCKLAND, This Day. -A fire t rhgedy occurred at Ward Terrace, Sandringham, shortly after one O’clock this morning, resulting in the death of Mrs Grace Lord, aged 26, and injuries to her husband, Mr William Lord, an engineer, aged 34, both of whom Came to Auckland from Helensville a fortnight ago. A neighbour,' returning from work at 12.15, noticed nothing unusual but Was awakened later by calls for help. He saw that the Lords’s home Was on fire. The brigade was called and four engines arrived and got the fire under control almost immediately. Mr Lord had struggled out of the burning building with burns oil his face, back and head, but had not succeeded ih getting his wife ou. Her body was discovered by a fire brigadeslnan near the door of the bedroom which was in the back of the house. She had apparently been overcome by smoke and flames before reaching the bedroom door. Her body \vas severely burnt. Mr Lord Was sent to hospital in a private car and treated in the casualty Ward.

The house, an old wooden building, burnt fiercely. As it was totally destroyed the brigade officials state that it is impossible to know the cause of the fire. It is believed a small fire was left burning in the grate in the living room at the back of the house and it is possible that the blaze may have spread from this. No details of insurance are available.

An inquest will be opened later today.