Candles Ignited Fatal Aberdeen Fire, Investigation Finds

A fire that resulted in the deaths of two sisters in Aberdeen was caused by candles in the flat below, according to a joint police and fire investigation.

Shikshya and Aanchal Subedi, aged 24 and 28, perished in the blaze at a block of flats on Back Hilton Road in January 2024. The investigation found no suspicious circumstances surrounding the fire, which was previously known to have spread from a neighboring residence.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) incident report obtained through a Freedom of Information request revealed that the fire originated when candles ignited a mattress in a lower flat bedroom. The fire then spread rapidly due to a lithium battery.

Firefighters arrived to find the victims already deceased, having been trapped by smoke. The incident prompted a significant emergency response, with SFRS deploying seven fire engines and specialized resources.

The sisters, originally from Nepal, had relocated to Aberdeen with their family during their childhood. Following their deaths, an online fundraiser gathered thousands of pounds.

In the time since the fire, the family has sought answers regarding the blaze. Susan Subedi, a 35-year-old sister, stated that the family remained unaware of the full details of the incident two years later. She described the profound devastation and the enduring impact of losing Shikshya and Aanchal, emphasizing their close bond and the future they were denied.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) confirmed that reports of the deaths were received at the time. A spokesperson stated that after a comprehensive investigation, the procurator fiscal determined that no further action was necessary.