In a house fire in Szumów, Poland, 54‑year‑old Irena Rupińska and her 2‑year‑old grandson Boguś died on Nov. 18.
Fire Breaks Out in Szumów House
On Saturday before 6 p.m., firefighters received a report of a house fire in Szumów. Two unconscious people were extracted from the room where the fire started. Despite aid, the woman and child died; two men were taken to hospital.
Preliminary Investigation Findings
Prosecutor Katarzyna Wankiewicz says the room doors were closed and grandma and grandson slept inside. In the same building, relatives noticed the blaze. An electrical device melted, likely the ignition source. The device is probably an air humidifier; fault may be in wiring or device. Investigation will be conducted by a fire‑forensics expert.
Funeral Arrangements
The funeral will take place on Nov. 28 at the church in Szumów. The bodies will be transported to the parish cemetery. Family requests donations to a charity on Siepomaga.pl instead of flowers and balloons filled with helium.
Rupińska’s Business Legacy
In 2016 and 2017 Irena Rupińska and her husband ranked among Forbes’ 100 richest Poles. Their company, ZPK Rupińscy Sp. zo.o., focuses on high‑quality natural aggregates for construction and roads. It also owns Natrix, a prefabricated concrete factory, and offers various paving stones and architectural elements.