TRAGEDY struck Blunsdon yesterday when a woman in her late 50s was killed in an accidental fire after a night watching football.

The incident occurred in a converted garage adjacent to the property where she lived, in Turnpike Road, shortly after midnight.

Investigations into the exact cause are continuing but are focusing around a wood-burning stove.

Fire investigators have confirmed it was an accident and no-one else was involved.

The identity of the woman has not yet been released but she is known to be the wife of the property owner.

The fire was discovered by a lodger, who lived in the annexe, but by the time emergency services arrived the building was engulfed in flames.

It was not initially known whether there was anyone in the building so the body was not discovered until after the flames had been extinguished.

Crews from Stratton and Drove Road Fire Station attended the incident, using breathing apparatus and hoses to put out the fire.

Group manager, Alan Harper, was among those called to the scene. “We received the call shortly after midnight when the alarm was raised by an occupant,” he said.

“The converted garage was divided into two halves, with one side used for socialising and the other lived in by the lodger.

“Everyone had been socialising together watching the England game. Although they had brought food over there was no cooking equipment in the building.

“After the football the lodger went out and the rest of the family went to bed in the house next door. When the lodger returned he found the garage completely on fire and raised the alarm.”

Due to the strength of the fire, crews were limited to trying to put the flames out.

“By the time we arrived the roof was collapsing and it was too dangerous to enter,” said Alan.

“Because the house is not attached to the garage the family had no idea it was on fire.

“The husband of the woman killed could only say he had not seen his wife since they left and was not sure where she was.

“The severity of the fire meant that not only did the roof collapse but so did some of the internal and external walls.

“As a result it was therefore some time before we discovered the location of the body.”

Although the fire is being treated as accidental, police are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and might have information, on 101.