Pensioners killed in Tipperary house blaze

An elderly couple were killed when a fire ripped through their Tipperary home last night.

The blaze broke out at a house in Scalagheen, on the outskirts of Tipperary town, at around 8.30pm.

Shocked locals said the couple, who are in their 70s, have lived in the rural area all their lives.

Councillor Anna Tuohy-Halligan said the news broke just after a meeting with council colleagues.

“I can’t believe it. No one can believe it. We’ve all just heard and everybody is in shock,” she said.

“They were a lovely couple.

“Nobody knows the details about what happened. It’s just a shame.”

Gardaí and fire crews are investigating the circumstances surrounding the blaze, which it is not believed to be suspicious.

The scene has been preserved for a technical examination.

Post mortem examinations will be carried out on their bodies today.