In the early hours of Wednesday, a devastating fire in Namulanda B Zone, Kajjansi, claimed the lives of six South Sudanese children, leaving the community reeling. The children, ranging from 2 to 16 years old, were trapped in their rented apartment while their mother was briefly rescued before one of the girls, hailed as a heroine, bravely re-entered the inferno in an attempt to save her siblings but tragically lost her life.
Neighbors recount frantic efforts to extinguish the blaze and rescue the children. However, an explosion hampered their attempts, and the fire brigade arrived too late to save the young lives. This incident raises concerns about the adequacy of fire safety measures and emergency response in the area.
Witnesses reported previous electrical issues in the house, including a short circuit that nearly caused a fire. This raises questions about the condition of electrical wiring and appliances in rented accommodations, as well as the need for regular inspections and maintenance.
Community leaders like Kajjansi Town Council Mayor Al Bashir Kayondo emphasize the importance of adhering to building regulations, such as maintaining adequate space between residences for emergency access. However, the unplanned nature of some areas poses challenges in this regard.
The police have launched an investigation, and preliminary findings suggest the fire originated from an unattended electronic kettle. The tragedy underscores the importance of electrical safety awareness and the need for fire safety education and preparedness, especially in households with young children.
The deceased children, Hibba (16), Gith (15), Dijwok (12), Achwanj (9), Teggi (4), and Gloria (2) William, leave behind a grieving mother and a community grappling with the devastating loss of young lives that could have been saved with adequate precautions and timely intervention.
