The territorial Police in Buyende district are investigating a fire incident in which a businessman, his wife and two grand children maliciously lost their lives.
The distressing incident occurred at Kiga Landing Site, Buyanja ‘A’ village , Buyanja Sub-County in Buyende district.
The deceased were identified as Ssendi Patrick, a 67-year-old, Mukyala Jesca, 64, and their grandchildren Senguko Peter aged 3, and Namu Shalom, a one-year-old minor.
Preliminary investigations, according to police, suggest that on Thursday May 23, 2024 at around 07:30pm one William went to Ssendi’s place to buy fuel for a boat engine, and in the process of filling up his container, some fuel dropped at the door way, where there was a charcoal stove with a kettle on it.
It is said that Namyalo, the wife to Ssendi, realised it late, and her struggle to carry the charcoal stove away did not yield.
Eventually, she threw down the stove where her rescue efforts were hampered when the fuel jerrycans burst into flames, leaving the four dead and property reduced to ashes.
Micheal Kasadha, the spokesperson of Busoga North Police said that their 20-year-old daughter identified as Nantongo Damalie, grand daughter, Namyalo Bridget of 9 years and William, 17, escaped with injuries.
“The scene was visited by a team of detectives from Buyende CPS . The bodies have been examined and handed over for burial, pending further investigations,” said Kasadha.
Police appeal to individuals dealing in fuel to ensure they are operating legally and store fuel safely to help prevent fire outbreaks.
