Zambia: The Zambia Police Service has confirmed the deaths of three juveniles who died in an inferno in Kabanana compound in Lusaka district of Lusaka Province. The deaths happened on Thursday, May 2, 2025 in the evening hours of the day.
Police Public Relations Officer, Rae Hamoonga has confirmed all the details of the incident in front of the media. The incident was reported to the police by the father of the deceased children.
The father, who identified himself as Emmanuel Phiri aged 34, reported the incident to Emmasdale Police Station through Chipwalu Police Post.
The father had left his home around 18:00 hours to pick up his wife from Chazanga Compound. At this time, his children had been left alone in the house.”
He further narrated that the father was at Chalo Banthu in Chazanga, when he received a disturbing call from a neighbour alerting him of the inferno at his house.
When the father received the news, Phiri rushed back home where he saw that some members of the public were attempting to extinguish the fire. The fire had by this time engulfed the house with the children still inside.
The fire did not come under control of the community members who had been trying. The fire was only controlled after the house had been completely destroyed.
The Police identified the deceased children as 7 year old M’J Nathan Phiri, 4 year old M’J Emmanuel Phiri Jr. and 2 year old M’J Subilo Phiri
All the three deceased children were found to have sustained fatal burns.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined by the police force who have started their investigation into the incident. Police visited the scene and confirmed the report for the benefit of the organization.
Furthermore, Hamoonga has revealed that all the three bodies have been deposited at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) Mortuary. They will be given for post-mortem examination.
The Zambia Police has urged members of the public to continue exercising caution to ensure fire safety in homes.