A NEW Zealand woman living in Wood Green was one of three young people killed in a fire hours after celebrating at a party, an inquest heard.

Sophie Louise Kroon, 21, of Westbury Avenue died from burns and smoke inhalation.

The blaze started at a house in Leytonstone, east London after around 25 friends gathered for a party in March.

South African Shaun Brian McNally, 26, who lived in Scotland, and Leytonstone-based Australian Aaron James Wilson, 22, also died.

Around nine people slept at the house after the party ended.

Witnesses told the hearing they were woken by screaming and the smell of thick smoke at around 6am.

Some people escaped by jumping out of the first floor windows.The three died despite brave attempts by friends and firefighters to rescue them.

Fire investigators said the most likely cause of the blaze was a candle which had fallen over and set alight in the kitchen.

Coroner Dr Elizabeth Stearns recorded a verdict of accidental death at the inquest this week at Waltham Forest Coroners Court.

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