Woman escapes fiery death

Amy Rambaran, 19, who lived in the one-bedroom house with her common-law husband Vijay Mohammed, 20, looked on helplessly as fire razed through the wooden structure at about 2 am.

At the time of the fire Rambaran was at home alone.

Fire officers visiting the scene yesterday said they received a telephone call at about 1.45 am and responded immediately. However when they arrived the house was already engulfed in flames.

Yesterday, neighbours told Newsday that the couple has since sought refuge at the home of relatives. Emmanuel Patram, 43, who lives next door, said that he was jolted out of sleep by loud screams.

“I was awoken when I heard someone scream out, ‘help! help!’ My wife got up and when she looked through our bedroom window she told me that the neighbour’s house was on fire,” he said.

Patram added that he immediately contacted the fire and police services and ventured downstairs.

He recalled: “As I was screwing on the garden hose, I heard a loud crash and when I looked I saw Amy falling on top of the roof of the garage.”

Patram said he quickly went to her assistance and carried her upstairs his home where she awaited the arrival of the fire services. Up to late yesterday fire officers were still trying to determine the cause of the blaze. Fire officials said the house had no electricity and estimated damage to be $20,000.

Investigations are continuing.