Teen dies after Otara house fire

An explosion in an Otara house in June that seriously burned two teenage girls was caused when a group of teens lit a cigarette. Photo / Doug Sherring

A teenager badly burned in an explosion at a house in Otara earlier this year has died from her injuries.

Police told the Herald Kelly Amani, 15, died in hospital on August 11.

Detective Sergeant Kepal Richards, of Counties Manukau Police, said the teenager was one of three people injured in a fire at a residential property on Lappington Rd, in South Auckland.

The incident happened on June 13.

"Kellys's family have asked that media do not contact them at this time and allow them to grieve for their daughter privately.''

The teen's death has now been referred to the Coroner.

The explosion was caused by a cigarette being lit, igniting flammable vapours on their clothes after they had allegedly been sniffing petrol or LPG, a fire investigator said at the time.

"They've gone upstairs in the house and lit a cigarette or something like that and when they've lit a cigarette it's ignited,'' he said.

A petrol can was found outside the back of the property.

Friends of the teen paid tribute to their friend on social media.

"Rest in peace Kelly Amani. Precious soul gone too soon. Now [you're] in good hand. Fly high, beautiful.''

Another friend said he was praying for the family.

"Until we meet again.''