Tragedy struck in Jinja as two children lost their lives in a house fire caused by a candle left unattended.
The mother, Hellen Mukyala, had gone to the market, leaving the candle on, and upon her return, found her home engulfed in flames. The toddlers, sleeping under a mosquito net, were severely burnt. Mukyala, unconscious and hospitalized, couldn’t provide details.
The incident, at Nsakabusolo cell in Jinja City’s Northern Division, left the children’s remains badly burnt. Residents, struggling to access the fire due to a locked gate, called the police when the situation escalated.By the time police’s fire brigade arrived it was too late to save the children but it prevented further damage to nearby houses.
James Mubi, Kiira regional police spokesperson, revealed the fire’s origin in the highly flammable surroundings of mosquito nets, mattresses, wooden furniture, clothing, and plastic plates.
Mubi emphasized the importance of parental supervision, urging caregivers to be vigilant in preventing such tragic events. The police encouraged parents to ensure the safety of children by avoiding potentially dangerous situations.