Zainab Kazinja dies in fatal Bletchley house fire
Fatal Bletchley house fire death of Zainab Kazinja – Obituary
Zainab Kazinja, 67, originally from Tanzania, tragically lost her life alongside 15-year-old Ann Eyre during a devastating house fire on St Patrick’s Way in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, on Friday. Although authorities have yet to formally release Kazinja’s name, a close friend identified her publicly.
Kazinja’s longtime friend, Qadhya Ali, shared heartfelt memories of their bond, describing it as one between a mother and daughter. The two first met in Manchester a decade ago, and Ali later encouraged Kazinja to move to Milton Keynes, hoping to ease her loneliness. Kazinja was remembered as gentle, considerate, and deeply caring.
Emergency services arrived at the scene shortly after midday. Eyewitness Martin Lewis described dense smoke rising from the property and the chaotic efforts to help. A teenage neighbor tried desperately to force entry into the burning house but was unable to break through. Witnesses reported hearing screams, with the young man left crying on the curb in despair.
Ali, who had been visiting Ann at the time of the incident, recalled the warmth and support Kazinja had always shown her. She now mourns the loss of someone who had become like family.
Investigators from Thames Valley Police are continuing their inquiry into the cause of the fire. The force has extended condolences to those affected by the tragedy.
