Woman killed in Channel Close Hounslow house fire named

Seema Ratra was one of five family members killed in a fire in Channel Close just before 10.30pm on November 12.

The bodies of five people were found inside the house and a sixth person is currently unaccounted for.

The adults who lived at the home have been named locally as Aroen Kishen and his wife Seema.

One man, believed to be Aroen, left the property before emergency crews arrived, as reported by Sky News.

He was later taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Residents from the area described seeing smoke on Sunday evening, but were unsure if it was related to Diwali fireworks.

Flowers were left at the scene on Monday afternoon, and the police cordon was still in place.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation and no arrests have been made.

Speaking at a press conference at the scene, Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson, when asked if he could rule out fireworks as a possible cause of the fatal blaze, said: “At this stage, this is being investigated both by ourselves and specialist fire officers.

“I am not ruling anything out, I don’t think we are in a position to do that.

“We keep an open mind, it is such an early stage and there is an awful lot of work to be done.”

Nick Marbrow, who lives on Sutton Road, with a view towards the burned-out house from his home, said he noticed an “unusual amount of smoke” on Sunday evening.

He said: “When I went to bed last night, I could see a lot of smoke.

“I could see an unusual amount of smoke, but then it is Diwali, there were fireworks going off.

“It’s very unusual for this area, it’s safe around here.”

Ashish Sosniah, who was passing the street on his way to temple, said he saw fireworks going off “for an hour” between 8pm and 9pm.

He said: “There were lots of fireworks going off for Diwali. I could see white smoke.”

Mr Sosniah said that when he next passed at around 11.30pm there were emergency services at the scene.

Dileep Singh, 54, travelled from Manchester to Channel Close, where his brother-in-law was at home with his wife, three children and two adult guests.

He told the Evening Standard: “I received a call and came as soon as I could with my wife, we are desperate for information. My brother-in-law is alive but I don’t know what has happened to everyone else.”

London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe said: “This is a terribly sad incident and the thoughts of all of us at London Fire Brigade are with the family, friends and all those affected at this difficult time.

“Staff will be in the local community today to offer support and advice where needed.

“The welfare of our staff is very important and all those involved will be offered support from our counselling and trauma service.”

Nearby homes were evacuated during the blaze, which was brought under control by 1.25am on Monday.