Fire kills Queen

Kumeso (Ash), Jan.16, GNA- A 90- year-old woman's normal domestic duty of lighting her lantern at night turned tragic when she accidentally set herself ablaze causing her death later at Kumeso near Obogu in the Asante-Akim South District.

Nana Afua Wusuah who is the queen of Kumeso died two days out of severe burns, after admission at the Juaso District Hospital. Nana Appiah Kubi, Chief of Kumeso, who briefed the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said the deceased on January 9, around 2200 hours was lighting her kerosene lamp when it fell from her hand with some kerosene splashing on her cloth.

He said after lighting the lantern, the match stick still with the flame on accidentally fell on her cloth which caught fire with the flame engulfing her in a matter of seconds.

The Chief stated that the deceased then screamed for help but could not receive enough as those around at the time were all aged, adding that some boys who were returning from town went to her rescue by pouring water on her.

She was them rushed to the Juaso District Hospital where she died two days later. Meanwhile the police at Obogu to whom the matter was reported has commenced investigation.