In a heart-wrenching incident, two young children, a four-year-old girl and a three-year-old boy, tragically lost their lives in a devastating house fire in Cyimbogo Village, Karangiro Cell, Nyakarenzo Sector, Rusizi District.
The fire, which engulfed the house and its entire contents, was reportedly caused by a candle lit by their seven-year-old brother.
The incident occurred around 3:30 PM on Saturday, August 24, 2024, while the parents, 35-year-old Ngirimana Jean Pierre, a security guard at a nearby petrol station, and his wife, who runs a small business, were still at work.
The fire consumed the wooden and mud-built house with alarming speed, leaving nothing but ashes. The children’s bodies were so badly burned that they were reduced to charcoal, with no remains left intact.
The Executive Secretary of Nyakarenzo Sector, Ntawizera Jean Pierre, confirmed the tragedy and expressed deep sorrow over the loss. He explained that the fire was reported by passersby who noticed the blaze and alerted neighbors, local authorities, and security agencies.
“When the parents arrived and saw what had happened, they were so overwhelmed with shock that they fainted,” Ntawizera said. “They were rushed to Gihundwe Hospital for medical attention.”
The value of the house and its contents is estimated at 4.3 million Rwandan Francs. In the aftermath of the tragedy, the family has been temporarily accommodated by their neighbors and provided with basic assistance.
“We have submitted a report to the district, and we are awaiting their response on how they will assist the family,” Ntawizera added.
He also urged parents to be cautious about leaving young children unsupervised, especially late in the day, to prevent such accidents and other potential threats.
The community has rallied around the grieving family, offering support and aid as they begin the painful process of recovering from this unimaginable loss.