Woman dies in house fire in Creeslough, Co Donegal

A elderly woman died in a house fire in Ballyboes, Creeslough in Co Donegal in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Neighbours managed to pull Josephine Higgs from her home after fire swept through the bungalow, however the 76-year-old died at the scene just minutes later.

The fire started around 1am at the home two miles outside the village. Three fire tenders, including two from Letterkenny and another from Falcarragh along with Gardaí, arrived at the scene at 1.30am.

Acting chief fire officer Joe McTaggart confirmed that the fire had already gutted the house and Mrs Higgs was outside the dwelling but had passed away.

Firemen stayed at the scene until 5am bringing the fire under control and securing the building.

The dead woman was well-known in the area and lived alone. Her husband David passed away last year and Mrs Higgs had two sons, Colin and Brian.

A neighbour said Mrs Higgs was a private woman who loved keeping her garden in pristine condition.

“She was a lovely woman whose house was her palace and she loved to potter around the garden. It was a credit to her.

“Her husband Dave passed away in August last year and it was hard on her.

“But it’s awful that she passed away like this. It’s such a tragic end to the year. Our thoughts and prayers are with her two sons.”

Mrs Higgs' body was removed to Letterkenny General Hospital where a post mortem is due to take place.

The area has been preserved and forensic officers were due to start their investigation on Tuesday.

Garda Superintendent Andy Archbold said, “We would appeal for any witnesses who may have been in that area shortly before 1am to contact us.”.

Witnesses can contact Milford Garda station on 074 9153060 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111.