3 boys burnt to death in Chilubi

Three boys aged between five and 15 years have been burnt to death after a grass-thatched house they were sleeping in caught fire, police have said.

In a statement, police spokesperson Esther Mwata Katongo says the unfortunate incident happened on June 16, at Chichele Fishing Camp, Chief Chiwanangala’s area in Chilubi District.

Katongo says the three boys met their fate between 22:00 hours and 04:00 hours after the father of one of the victims only identified as ‘bashi Arbiton’ aged between 50 and 55 left the fire on after smoking fish and went to sleep.

She explained that the fire later spread and gutted the house in which the victims were sleeping and they sustained serious burns and died on the spot while the father survived the inferno with burns and is admitted to Chilubi District Mainland Hospital.

“The deceased have been identified as male juvenile Arbiton Mwansa aged 15, male juvenile Allan Lishuko aged eight (08) and male juvenile Lubuto aged five (05).The bodies have been buried and graves marked.

“We have observed an increase in reports of fire incidences during cold seasons compared to other periods of the year. Some of the fires reported as Arson turn out to have been caused as a result of negligence on the part of occupants,” she said in a statement.

“From 01st June, 2019 to date, we have received 18 fire related cases of which eight (08) were reported as Arson while 10 were reported as fire incidences. We therefore advise members of the public to avoid leaving fire or other electrical appliances such as heaters unattended to especially during this cold time of year to avoid loss of life and property.”

Meanwhile Katongo has advised that in the event of the load shedding being experienced Countrywide, members of the public must avoid leaving candles on when going to sleep as they have high potential of causing fire.