Family asks law firm to investigate blaze that killed two sisters

The family of two sisters who died in a flat fire in Aberdeen two years ago have asked a law firm to help a search for answers about the blaze

Shikshya and Aanchal Subedi, who were 24 and 28, died after the fire spread from a neighbouring flat at the block in the city's Back Hilton Road.

A joint police and fire investigation was launched into the blaze in January 2024, but there were no suspicious circumstances found.

Legal firm Digby Brown said it would seek "all available evidence to help the Subedi family in their pursuit for answers".

The two sisters who died originally came from Nepal, but settled in Aberdeen with their family when they were children.

The fatal fire on the evening of 29 January 2024 led to a large emergency response.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) sent seven fire engines and specialist resources.

An online fundraiser after their deaths later raised thousands of pounds.

Speaking for the first time since losing her younger sisters, Susan Subedi, 35, said the family still did not know the full facts of what happened two years on.

Susan said: "To say we are devastated doesn't come close to describing how we feel.

"It's very hard to describe how losing Shikshya and Aanchal has affected our family. As sisters we were incredibly close.

"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," she said.

"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 Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said it received reports of the deaths of the sisters at the time.

A spokesperson said: "Following a thorough investigation the procurator fiscal concluded that no further action was required."

COPFS said the family was informed of the decision.

Neil Davidson, from 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."