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‘Nobody should ever go to a hotel and never go home’: Tributes paid to victims of Perth fire

Sharon McLean, Donna Janse Van Rensburg and Keith Russell. Image: Police Scotland.
Sharon McLean, Donna Janse Van Rensburg and Keith Russell. Image: Police Scotland.

Outpourings of grief and love have been paid to Aberdeen sisters and an Edinburgh man who died in a devastating hotel fire in Perth in the early hours of Monday morning.

Donna Janse Van Rensburg and Sharon McLean from Old Aberdeen – both in their 40s – were found following a search of the New County Hotel after the blaze ripped through the building on January 2.

Originally from Edinburgh a third victim, dad Keith Russell, 38, was named by police.

Fire victims: Sharon McLean, Donna Janse Van Rensburg and Keith Russell. Image: Police Scotland.

Ms Janse Van Rensburg’s King Charles spaniel dog, two-year-old Joey was also found dead following the fire.

‘Kind to me and our dogs’

Emergency services were alerted to the blaze around 5.10am on January 2 when passers by heard shouts for help from inside the building, and from two neighbouring properties.

Ms Janse Van Rensburg, 44, and Ms McLean, 47, are understood to have been on holiday in the area.

A police officer lays flowers at the scene of the New County Hotel, County Place, Perth. Image: Steve MacDougall / DC Thomson.

In a statement, the family of Mr Russell described him as a loving dad who will be  greatly missed.

Tributes made on social media

Posting online, visitors to the hotel spoke of the kindness of the women.

Debbie Wilson said: “So very sad. Sharon was a beautiful lady.”

Speaking of the sister’s time living with their family in South Africa, Jakkie Louw wrote: “Heartbreaking news, former learners from Parkridge and Suncrest High in Vanderbijlpark, SA.”

Fiona Kerrigan said: “That’s so sad what a shame. They were very kind to me and our dogs when we stayed.

“My thoughts are with their families.”

Shaun Sievwright wrote: “Just so sad such lovely ladies. I had the pleasure of spending some time with them on New Years eve and post bells.

“Rest in peace lovelies and to all.”

Callum Knox said: “Absolutely awful. Particularly at this time of year condolences to both families.

“Sending love and prayers.”

Robert Mcmahon said: “Absolute shocking chain of events I wish all the family my heart.

‘Absolutely heartbreaking’

“This is something that could have been prevented and should not go on in this world.

“The reviews tell you a story and someone or some people should be held accountable.

“Rest easy I hope your family find peace without you.

Donna Janse Van Rensburg and her dog Joey died. Image: Police Scotland.

Claire Dack wrote on Tayside Police Facebook page: “Absolutely heartbreaking.

“Nobody should ever go to a hotel and never go home. RIP and thoughts with their loved ones.

She added: “Run free little Joey. And also thoughts with all the poor emergency service crews affected by such a horrible tragedy.”

Annette Stewart said: “So sad – hopefully there will be a thorough investigation and justice will be seen to be done.”

Investigation

A joint investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

Fire service area commander Jason Sharp said: “We extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by this tragic event and our thoughts are with the friends and families of those who sadly passed away.”

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