Family of two sisters who died in Aberdeen flat fire blaze in 2024 'still without answers'

The family of two sisters who died in a fire in Aberdeen have been left with unanswered questions over their deaths, more than two and a half years on.

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

An investigation later ruled the fire was the result of an accident and spread from a neighbouring flat.

It was later confirmed that no action would be taken against the tenants of the flat and there would be no fatal accident inquiry.

However, the Subedi family were left with little information about what happened, and as a result, have instructed their own lawyers to investigate.

It is hoped the investigation will recover documents to help shed light on what happened.

North East & Tayside

Fundraiser set up after ‘tragic’ fire that killed two sisters

Shikshya and Aanchal Subedi, who were in their early 20s, died alongside their cat Boba in the blaze on Back Hilton Road on Monday.

Speaking for the first time since losing her sisters, Susan Subedi, 35, said: “It just feels like everything has been pushed to the side and no one wants 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’s 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 an ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

The fire broke out at around 6pm on January 29, 2024, and took hours for fire crews to bring the flames under control.

Shikshya and Aanchal, originally from Nepal, but had moved to Aberdeen with their family when they were children, died in the fire.

In addition, a baby from a neighbouring flat was safely evacuated and taken to hospital as a precaution, but was discharged the following day.

The blaze broke out on January 29, 2024 STV News

A fundraiser was launched following the sisters’ death, which raised more than £11,000 for a traditional Hindu funeral, with any surplus set aside to support the higher education of young girls in Nepal.

Susan 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, 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, they 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.”