A candle that was left in the bedroom has caused death of a father and his two daughters in Mubende district. Police said the incident happened at Kyambogo village, Kigogwa parish, Kalonga Sub-county, in Mubende district.
The deceased have been identified by the locals as Innocent Bezahe Lukara aged 40, who died alongside his two daughters Annet Mbabazi aged 11 and Esther Namata aged three. Rachael Kawala, the Wamala regional police spokesperson, said the preliminary investigations have showed that there were six people in the house. They went to bed and left a candle burning which set the house ablaze.
“The Territorial police in Mubende have registered this death that occurred at 2am. Three people died on spot while 3 others survived but with serious injuries. All are residents of Kyambogo village,” Kawala said.
Others who have survived the inferno include Lukara’s wife Clement Kaitesi aged 39, their son John Muhumuza aged 14 and the couple’s daughter Doloheina Tumushabe aged 11. One of the locals leaders identified as Frank said the deceased slept off leaving a candle lighting.
“The candle was left in the bedroom hence causing the fire that burnt three people to death and injured three others. We rushed the injured to Mubende regional referral hospital,” Frank explained.
Kawala said police went and collected the deceased’s bodies which are currently at Mubende hospital morgue. “We appeal to the public to make sure candles are kept away from flammable materials and to ensure they are put out when leaving the room or intending to sleep. We further caution the public against unattended candle use,” Kawala said.