The police in Luwero district are currently investigating a heartbreaking incident involving a home fire that led to the untimely death of a five-year-old boy. The unfortunate event occurred while the child’s parents were away attending a burial in a neighboring area.
The victim has been identified as Abdul Kigundu, the son of Alien Mukimbili and Grace Babirye from Kasiso village in Butuntumula sub-County, Luwero district. According to Sam Twineamazima, the Savannah region police spokesperson, the tragic accident unfolded around 3:00 p.m. on April 4, 2024.
On that fateful day, Abdul returned home from school to find himself alone, as his parents had left for the nearby burial site, located approximately 200 meters away. It is alleged that the young boy and his four-year-old friend were playing inside the house with a matchbox, inadvertently causing a fire outbreak.
“The child and his friend were playing with a matchbox and lighting it inside the house, which caused a fire outbreak. As a result, Abdul succumbed to smoke inhalation and sustained severe burns, rendering him unrecognizable,” revealed Twineamazima.
Tragically, while Abdul’s friend managed to escape unscathed, the fire consumed the house, leaving it destroyed. In addition to the property damage, a substantial amount of harvested maize was also lost.
Authorities are now conducting a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the lamentable incident. Although the primary cause appears to be accidental, the police are keen to uncover any potential factors that may have contributed to the tragedy.
This heartrending incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for constant vigilance, especially when young children are left unattended. Authorities are urging parents and guardians to maintain a safe and child-friendly environment, taking precautions to prevent such accidents from occurring in the future.
