A marriage of more than 40 years was ended by tragedy on Thursday when Janice Straker died in an early‑morning house fire at Crab Hill, St Lucy, despite desperate attempts by her husband and neighbours to save her.
Husband, Anthony “Richard” Straker, said he returned home shortly before 7 a.m. to find their house engulfed in flames. He tried to enter the building but was forced back by thick smoke and intense heat.
“When I opened the door, fire and smoke… you know, I turned my back,” he said.
He ran to another section of the house, calling for his wife and their three grandchildren, who were inside at the time. The children were rescued by a granddaughter, but his wife did not make it out.
“I’m devastated, you know, because we were together for over 50 years. We were married 40‑odd years, and she was there for us throughout her life,” he said. “She was a lovely, beautiful woman.”
Anthony ‘Richard’ Straker (Photo By: Lauryn Escamilla)
Residents had made frantic attempts to put out the blaze and rescue her, using water hoses and attempting to break windows. Two men were among those who eventually pulled her from near the back door, but she succumbed to her injuries.
Member of Parliament for St Lucy Peter Phillips said members of the community responded immediately and continue to support the family.
“I want to thank the people of the Crab Hill community who have responded and have been responding quite well to this family,” he said.
Phillips, who visited the scene after receiving several calls about the fire, said the loss was particularly painful for the close‑knit district where residents traditionally look out for one another.
The Straker home that was on fire. (Photo by: Lauryn Escamilla)
He said the victim had been active in the community and at Selah Methodist Church, adding that the family had lost a mother, an aunt, and a loved one.
The MP added that he had contacted social agencies to arrange assistance for the displaced family members.
The MP also commended Dwayne Griffith, a Crab Hill resident who was on his way to work when he saw smoke and went to help.
Griffith said he found the house burning and learned that children and their mother were inside.
“I tell myself I got to get in the house, and I [tried] my best to get in the house,” he said.
He sustained bruises during the rescue effort and was later treated for smoke inhalation.
Griffith said he was grateful that the children survived, although the loss of the elderly woman has left the community shaken.
(LE)
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