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Neighbors Heard Horrifying Screams From Bride-To-Be As She Burned To Death When She Couldn’t Be Saved From Burning Home

By Angelica N. Sumter
Published on: 20:58 PST, May 19, 2015

Neighbors recall hearing horrifying screams from bride-to-be of Cwmbran, Gwent as she burned to death in home that was engulfed in flames. They desperately tried to save her, but the flames quickly traveled throughout the house and it was too late, according to Daily Mail.

Just days after celebrating her birthday, Samantha Thomas’ life came to a horrifying end at 6 a.m. Tuesday when the home she lived in burst into flames. She screamed for help as she stood on the balcony, but neighbors were unable to get to her.

“The flat was engulfed on flames and she was on the balcony, we tried to reach her with a ladder but couldn’t get there,” said David Leedham, 20, who was at the scene.

“I heard a snapping sound which sounded like gunshots,” Nikki Mahagam told reporters. “I could see smoke coming out of the tiles from the flat on the top.”

“I ran out there but by the time I got there fire was coming out of the windows. There wasn’t a lot I could do, it was too late.”

Thomas’ fiancé, Paul Shields, 49, was also in the home as it burst into flames, but was able to make it to safety. He was taken to a nearby hospital for smoke inhalation.

More than 30 firefighters were called to the scene. They were able to control the fire, but there was no hope for Thomas. Firefighters’ discovered her lifeless body on the bedroom floor.

According to BBC News, neighbors had to be evacuated due to the smoke.

“I wish to extend my sympathies on behalf of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service to the family and friends of the individual who sadly lost their life today,” senior fire officer Ian Greenman stated.

“We are now working closely with our Gwent Police colleagues to carry out a full investigation and await the outcomes of this inquiry.

“I would also like to thank the firefighters from our Cwmbran, Malpas, New Inn, Whitchurch and Maindee stations for their sterling efforts in dealing with this incident under difficult circumstances.”

A spokesperson told reporters that investigators were treating the incident as a homicide, and that they have since made an arrest.

Gwent police arrested Thomas’ fiancé, Shields, on suspicion of murder.

Friends and neighbors described Thomas as a “lovely woman.”

The investigation is ongoing.

[Image courtesy of David Mcnew/Getty Images]

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