Hopewell, Hanover — Investigators are probing the cause of a Saturday morning fire on Camp Road in Hopewell that claimed the life of 81-year-old Josephine McLaren, just weeks before her 82nd birthday on January 22.
Neighbours noticed flames engulfing McLaren’s two-storey home around 11:30 a.m. and rushed to extinguish the blaze. During their efforts, they discovered McLaren’s charred remains on the ground floor.
The discovery has raised questions among residents, as McLaren typically resided on the upper floor of the home. The ground floor, according to locals, was rented out to a tenant who was reportedly away at the Montego Bay market when the fire broke out.
“We nuh know what a gwaan because the guy wasn’t home and she wouldn’t normally go into the guy place,” said a neighbour who spoke anonymously.
While the fire destroyed a bed and other furniture, neighbours’ quick response prevented it from spreading further.
The community has been left in shock and confusion. “This strange man, this strange,” remarked a neighbour who declined to give their name.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire or the circumstances that led McLaren to the ground floor. Investigations are ongoing.

