BURNED TO DEATH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21101, 8 February 1932, Page 8

BURNED TO DEATH.

FATE OF WEALTHY WIDOW. TRAPPED IN BLAZING HOUSE. ATTEMPT AT RESCUE FAILS. BUILDING SOON IN RUINS. [BY TELEGHAPII. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] RUSSELL. Saturday. Another disastrous fire, this time attended by loss of life, occurred at Russell about midnight on Friday. The victim was Mrs. F P. Dod, a wealthy English widow, who was trapped in a burning cottage. A youth walking along the Russell Wharf saw flames issuing from the cottage, which is called Bay View, and is 011 an elevated part of the road leading to Long Beach. lie gave the alarm to the police and Constable Mitchell immediately proceeded to the fire, joined 011 the way by several townspeople. Upon trying to gain entry to the house, all the doors were found to be locked and tho building full of smoke. When tho front door was burst open, smoke and flames issued from the interior, which was blazing like a furnace. It was found impossible to enter the houso. Tho cottage was owned and occupied by Mrs. Dod, who lived alone. Neighbours had been visiting her that evening, leaving the house at 10 o'clock. It was impossible to check tho flames and the building was destroyed in about an hour, only the brick chimney and the water tanks standing. As soon as feasible, a search was made in tlie smouldering ruins. Charred remains of a human body were found in the kitchen. Tho identity of the remains was established definitely through a wedding ring. It is conjectured that Mrs. Dod, possibly after going to bed, had occasion to go to the kitchen. Her health had not been good. It is thought that she may have stumbled with a lamp and been overcome subsequently by the smoko beforo she could emerge from the room. Neither the house nor tho furniture was insured. Mr.. Dod died at Russell three years ago after making a fortune in England and abroad. 111 addition to inheriting this money, Mrs. Dod is believed to have been a legatee of other large sums from her relations. There is no family, but a married sister resides in England.