Family of two sisters who died in Aberdeen flat fire “still without answers” two years on

The family of two sisters killed in a fire has spoken for the first time as they continue to search for answers two years on from the tragedy.

Shikshya, 24, and Aanchal Subedi, 28, died in January 2024 when the blaze broke out in the block of flats at Back Hilton Road in Aberdeen.

An investigation later ruled the fire was the result of an accident in a neighbouring flat which then spread.

Prosecutors ruled out any action against the tenants of the other flat and confirmed there would be no fatal accident inquiry.

However the Subedi family feel they have not been given all the information and have now instructed their own lawyers to investigate the tragedy. 

Speaking for the first time since losing her sisters, Susan Subedi, 35, said: “To say we are devastated doesn’t come close to describing how we feel.

“As a family we will continue to use our voices to get them justice.”

The fatal fire at Back Hilton Road in the north of Aberdeen happened around 6pm on 29 January 2024.

It took three hours for emergency services to tackle the blaze and safeguard the scene before leaving shortly after 9pm.

Shikshya and Aanchal – who were originally from Nepal but settled in Aberdeen with their family when they were children – were sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

A baby from a neighbouring flat was also safely evacuated – the infant was taken to hospital as a precaution but discharged the following day.

Susan, who has never spoken publicly about the loss of her siblings until now, said: “It’s very hard to describe how losing Shikshya and Aanchal has affected our family.

“As sisters we were incredibly close.

“One of my favourite memories is from a few years ago when we went on holiday to Edinburgh.

“We were having so much fun shopping and dancing we ended up staying an extra few days. 

“When I think back to those days it hurts because I know there won’t be another holiday together.

“They were only in their 20s and had everything in life to look forward to but that’s been taken away from them and from us.

“We won’t laugh or talk or share another family celebration together and sometimes that’s too much to bear.

“I miss them. I will always miss them.”

The sudden loss of the sisters led to an outpouring of grief from the community.

In a touching tribute Aberdeen Grammar School described former pupil Shikshya as “a hardworking, focused and dedicated student who was very well-liked”.

Close family friend Michelle Munro aimed to support the Subedi family via an online fundraiser, saying: “No one should have to bury their child, let alone two.

“I am seeking to give these two beautiful, kind, loving girls the funeral they deserve.”

The appeal broke its original £6,000 target raising more than £11,000 for a traditional Hindu funeral with any surplus set aside to support the higher education of young girls in Nepal.

After the fire a joint investigation by Police Scotland and Scottish Fire & Rescue Service determined there were no suspicious circumstances and ruled the fire was started by accident in another flat.

A further blow was dealt to the family when a fatal accident inquiry was also ruled out.

The Subedi family has now instructed Digby Brown Solicitors in a civil action where it is hoped the investigation will recover all the documents involved in the investigation and help shed light on what happened.

Susan added: “It just feels like everything has been pushed to the side and no one is wanting to help us get answers into how this could have happened.

“It’s been more than two years and we still don’t know the full facts of what happened – all we get told is the decisions official people are making but with very little explanation.

“For a bereaved family that’s not good enough – we deserve more than an FYI.

“I’m their big sister. My job has always been to look after Shikshya and Aanchal and I owe it to them to make sure they are not forgotten and, if there’s a way, to get them some form of justice.”

Neil Davidson, Partner at Digby Brown in Aberdeen, is leading the legal investigation for the family.

He said: “To lose two young members of your family in an accident is devastating and my thoughts go to Shikshya and Aanchal’s family and friends.

“We will seek to recover and investigate all available evidence to help the Subedi family in their pursuit for answers but as things are ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

More coverage on this story can be found on BBC News, Aberdeen Live and Press and Journal.