The charred remains of Veronica Narcisse (below), were found inside her burnt-out Whitehall Avenue, St Andrew home after she rushed back into the inferno to save her 14-year-old grandson early yesterday morning. (Photo: Michael Gordon)

AFTER escaping a raging fire that was quickly engulfing her wood and concrete home, 67-year-old Veronica Narcisse bravely rushed back into the furnace to rescue her grandson, who, unbeknown to her, had already fled.

While in the house, the well-loved dressmaker, affectionately called Aunty Latty, was trapped by the fast-moving flames and her security grille, and was burnt to death.

When the pre-dawn fire was finally put out, Narcisse's charred remains were found in a corner not far from a section of the house where a neighbour was beckoning her to make her way. A man who gave his name as Dennis had plans of saving her from the scorching flames, he thought, by dousing her with a pan of water he had.

"I tried to save her but could not get to her, the fire was so hot. I rushed to the door but the cylinder burst and push mi back straight through the door," Dennis said, in a low, cracking tone. "I had a pan of water. Mi tell Ms Latty fi bend down and come - and Latty caan come all now."

According to the police, upon being awakened by the blaze, which started at about 1:30 am, Narcisse rushed outside her Whitehall Avenue, St Andrew home to raise an alarm before going back inside to save her 14-year-old grandson when she got trapped. A unit each from the York Town and Half-Way-Tree fire stations put out the blaze. A lit candle is suspected to have been the cause of the fire.

Two houses nearby were also damaged by the fire, one severely.

Winsome Bryan, a close friend and neighbour of Narcisse recalled in pain and tears what her dear friend went through.
"Into the one o'clock I hear she calling me, because we move close. She calling me, 'Ms Bryan, Ms Bryan, help mi!' But the only thing I could do is call the fire and the police. That's the most I could do. I couldn't even touch my grille because it was too hot," Bryan said, her voice trailing off.

Long-time family friend, Ouid Martin, also felt helpless as she could do nothing but watch as the furious flames devour the woman she regarded as a mother.

At daybreak, a few residents, their eyes red from crying, were still hanging around the tragic scene - as relatives, too distraught to speak with the media - rummaged through the shell of the seven-apartment dwelling, trying to salvage pictures of their dearly departed.

Narcisse, who was described as a nice, jovial person died leaving adult children who currently reside overseas.

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