Blackburn woman died from burns after setting herself alight

Shawgar Rasul Hama, 22, died at Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester on May 23, six days after the incident at her flat on in Greenhurst Road.

An inquest at Accrington Town Hall on Friday, October 2, heard that passers-by found Ms Hama on fire outside her home at around 5.20pm on May 17.

One witness said he heard screams before seeing a group of children shouting that a woman was on fire.

He ran towards her and attempted to help until emergency services arrived.

Ms Hama was taken by air ambulance to Wythenshawe Hospital, where doctors found she had suffered major burns affecting 41 per cent of her body, including her head, neck, arms, and upper body.

Wythenshawe Hospital (Image: Google Maps)

Despite a series of operations and intensive care treatment, her condition deteriorated, and she died in the early hours of May 23.

A medical cause of death was given as multi-organ failure caused by major burns.

A fire investigation found a near-empty bottle of barbecue lighter fluid and a cigarette lighter inside the flat.

Investigators concluded Ms Hama's clothing had been soaked in the liquid before being ignited.

Detectives examined CCTV footage and Ms Hama's mobile phone as part of their inquiries.

The inquest heard she had arrived in the UK from Iraq in 2024 and had claimed asylum.

Evidence showed she had dropped her young son off with his father in Bolton earlier on the day of the incident.

Police found no evidence of any third-party involvement, coercion, or assault.

Messages and videos recovered from her phone showed she was distressed following the breakdown of a relationship.

Shortly before the incident, she had been in contact with a man known to her and had sent messages expressing upset and heartbreak.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Davies said there was "strong evidence" Ms Hama had deliberately self-immolated, with no evidence anyone else was present or involved.

Assistant Coroner Kate Bisset said there was no dispute Ms Hama had caused the fire which led to the injuries that claimed her life.

However, she said the evidence did not allow her to safely conclude Ms Hama intended to end her life.

Recording a narrative conclusion, Ms Bisset said: "Shawgar Rasul Hama died on May 23, 2026, at Wythenshawe Hospital as a consequence of injuries sustained on May 17, when she doused herself in fluid and set herself alight.

"It is not possible to determine her intentions at the moment she set herself alight."

The coroner said Ms Hama had been in extreme distress and noted that after the fire started she immediately ran from the flat, apparently seeking help.

She added she did not believe it would do Ms Hama justice to reach a conclusion about her intentions without clear evidence.

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this story, you can contact Samaritans free of charge on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.