Probe underway into deadly Al Hajiyat flat fire

TDT | Manama

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A probe is under way into a deadly fire that tore through a flat in Al Hajiyat, in Riffa, and left a mother and her son dead, prosecutors confirmed.

The Public Prosecution said investigations are still active to determine what triggered the blaze and how events unfolded.

A forensic pathologist has been assigned to examine the remains, while crime scene specialists and forensic teams are reviewing traces and samples collected from the site.

The fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday in a second-floor flat of a nine-storey residential block.

Casualties

A 30-year-old man with disabilities died along with his 48-year-old mother, who reportedly fell from the balcony while trying to escape.

A child was taken to hospital after suffering smoke inhalation. His condition has since stabilised.

Neighbours said they heard a woman screaming before she suddenly went silent and fell.

Safety

Her husband had tried to pull her to safety by tearing part of the metal railing from the balcony and clinging to a lamppost.

Despite his efforts, she slipped from his reach before help arrived. Fire crews evacuated all 116 residents and managed to contain the blaze before it could spread further.

Smell of petrol

The Prosecution also addressed press reports which quoted a neighbour claiming there was a smell of petrol before the fire.

The woman was summoned and questioned. She denied making the statement and told investigators that the smell had come from the fire itself.

Authorities warned the public against sharing unverified claims while the investigation remains open.