On Tuesday,November 25,we informed about the death of Irena Rupińska and her grandson in a fire in Szumowo. The prosecutor’s office suspects that an air humidifier may have been responsible for starting the fire.

In an interview with Wirtualna Polska,prosecutor Katarzyna Wankiewicz provided preliminary findings regarding the fire in Szumowo in the Podlaskie Voivodeship. One of the richest Polish women,Irena Rupińska,died in the incident along with her grandson.

Fire and tragic death of Irena Rupińska

— There was an electrical device in the corner of the room that completely melted,so we can assume that it was the source of the fire. It was probably an air humidifier – said a representative of the Regional Prosecutor’s Office in Zambrów.

Prosecutor Wankiewicz emphasized that the entire family rushed to help the 54-year-old and her 2-year-old grandson as soon as they realized the situation. Unfortunately,the woman and child died from their injuries.

— The fire didn’t spread anywhere else,it was only in this one room. We have already interviewed witnesses,but the truth is that there was no one else in this room,added Wankiewicz. The autopsy of both fire victims is scheduled for Wednesday,November 26.

Death of Irena Rupińska. She was one of the richest Polish women

Irena Rupińska,as co-owner of ZPK Rupińscy and Natrix,was a very well-known person in the region. Together with her husband,she was engaged in large-scale aggregate mining. The couple started in the mid-1990s with one plant,and over time,they expanded to several mining locations.

In 2021,ZPK Rupińscy was recognized as the largest enterprise in the Podlaskie Voivodeship in the aggregate industry. Its revenues were to exceed PLN 100 million annually. Irena Rupińska’s companies employ hundreds of people in the region,while supporting local events and initiatives.

In response to the tragedy,the Szumowo commune published a special message on its Facebook profile. “It is with great sadness that we received the information about the passing of Mrs. Irena Rupińska and her beloved grandson. We express our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones. In these difficult times,we wish you strength,peace and mutual support. The memory of the deceased will remain in our hearts. May they rest in peace,” we read.