By Julie Waters
TRIBUTES have been paid to a much loved wife and mother who tragically lost her life in a Bangor house fire.
A well known member of the city’s Polish community, Mrs Agata Szymanska, who was in her 50s, died after a fire broke out in her Abbey Park home last Friday afternoon.
Firefighters from Bangor and Newtownards attended the blaze at around 12.30pm and administered first aid to three casualties, however the local woman died at the scene.
Mrs Szymanska was one of four people to lose their lives in separate house fires across Northern Ireland in just three days; prompting the Fire and Rescue Service to issue a public safety warning, describing the recent incidents as highly unusual and alarming.
The Service said the three fires which took place on Friday and Saturday last weekend were accidental and were connected to electrical issues.
There has been a groundswell of support from across the local community following Mrs Szymanska’s tragic death, in a bid to support her family after their home was badly damaged in the blaze.
In just a few days over £6,231 has been raised through a GoFundMe page and members of the Polish Association Bangor PL also held a fundraiser for the family at their Christmas event. Donations can also be made at Polita supermarket, at Gray’s Hill.
Mrs Szymanska has been praised by those who knew her as a ‘very kind’ person who worked in ‘the hospital and community caring for people’ before she suffered a stroke a number of years ago. Despite her ill health, the local woman was described as both ‘positive and optimistic’.
Ewa Kaliczak, treasurer of the Bangor Polish Association Bangor PL, spoke of the shock felt by the Bangor Polish community, following her friend’s death.
“We knew Agata really well, she was part of our Polish community and her death was very shocking,” she said.
“She was a very kind, warm person, very positive. Even after her stroke a couple of years ago, she was very brave and attended all of our events. She lost her life in such a cruel way.”
Ms Kaliczak spoke of the impact of the local woman’s shock death on Bangor’s Polish community saying she will be very missed by all of the Polish community.
“This is one of our friends, because we are all very close to each other as we are all in a different country. And when we lose someone that is positive, nice and kind, it has a big impact on us.”
She thanked everyone who had donated to the family.
Ms Kaliczak explained: “We [the Polish Association] decided to do the fundraiser as the damage is really bad and financial support is needed because her family needs to have a house to live in. We would like to thank everyone who has contributed.”
North Down MP Alex Easton, who lost both his parents in a house fire, said he was ‘deeply saddened’ to learn of the fatal house fire.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the woman’s family and loved ones at this heartbreaking time, and with neighbours and friends who will be deeply affected by what has happened,” said the Independent Unionist.
“I understand the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Serviceattended,broughtthe blaze under control, and administered first aid at the scene. I want to pay tribute to the fire service and all emergency responders for their swift actions in extremely difficult circumstances.”
Mr Easton said: “This incident is especially painful to hear about on a personal level. Having lost both of my parents in a fire, I know only too well the shock, grief and devastation that families go through, and the long road that follows in the aftermath of such a tragedy.
“I would urge anyone who may have witnessed anything unusual in the area, or who has any information that could assist the investigation, to contact the PSNI as soon as possible, or to pass information anonymously via Crimestoppers.”
