A pregnant woman who became a human fireball has died.

Viyen Fonche lost her battle for life yesterday at the special burns unit at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford.

The 26-year-old died from her injuries after suffering 80 per cent burns at her flat in Eastcote Grove, Southend, on Wednesday evening.

Police have launched an investigation but say there are no suspicious circumstances.

Her husband Julius - a French teacher at Thorpe Bay High School - was said to be "absolutely distraught".

He was staying with relatives with the couple's three-year-old daughter.

Published Friday, January 17, 2003

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