UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | A devastating fire in Buyende District has claimed the lives of a man, his wife, and two grandchildren after a fuel business they were operating caused an explosion.
The incident, now referred to as the Buyende house fire, occurred at Kiga Landing Site in Buyanja ‘A’ village, Buyanja sub-county on Friday evening.
The deceased have been identified as Patrick Sendi, 67, Jessica Mukyala, 64, Peter Senguko, 3, and Shalom Namu, 1.
According to Busoga North Police Spokesperson Michael Kasadha, the fire erupted around 7:30 p.m. when a customer came to purchase petrol for a boat engine.
During the transaction, some fuel spilt near a charcoal stove, igniting the fire that led to the tragic Buyende house fire.
Kasadha explained the sequence of events: “The incident happened when a customer was filling up a container with petrol, and some fuel dropped at the doorway near a charcoal stove where a kettle had been placed.”
This initial spill set off a chain reaction. Sendi’s wife attempted to extinguish the flames but inadvertently exacerbated the situation by knocking over the stove, which then ignited several fuel jerry cans.
“Our team of detectives from Buyende Central Police Station visited the scene, examined the bodies, and handed them over for burial pending further investigations,” Kasadha stated.
The investigation aims to determine the precise circumstances that led to the Buyende house fire.
Three individuals survived the fire: Damalie Nantongo, 20, granddaughter Bridget Namyalo, 9, and William Sendi, who sustained injuries.
These survivors have provided critical accounts of the events leading up to and following the fire.
Buyende District Youth Council Chairperson Hillary Kalyango, a resident of the area, expressed concern over the safety practices of local fuel vendors.
Kalyango described the incident as “a time bomb in the quest for easy money and business,” highlighting the prevalent risks faced by those purchasing fuel from informal vendors.
He also noted the potential for greater disaster, as the fire did not spread to the many nearby grass-thatched huts at the landing site.
Kasadha emphasized the importance of legal and safe fuel storage practices to prevent future tragedies.
“We would like to appeal to individuals dealing in fuel to ensure that they are operating legally and store fuel safely to prevent fire outbreaks,” he said.
The Buyende house fire underscores the critical need for stringent safety measures in the handling and storage of flammable materials.
The Buyende house fire is a stark reminder of the dangers associated with improper fuel storage and handling.
The initial spill of petrol, the proximity of the spill to an open flame, and the subsequent explosion of the jerry cans all contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities in safety practices among informal fuel vendors.
The Buyende house fire not only resulted in a tragic loss of life but also raised concerns about the safety of local fuel practices.
Fishing communities and boda boda riders frequently purchase fuel from roadside and home vendors, often preferring these sources for their perceived reliability in quantity.
However, the risks associated with such practices are significant, as demonstrated by the recent tragedy.
The Buyende house fire has prompted calls for stricter enforcement of regulations governing the sale and storage of fuel.
Ensuring that vendors operate within legal parameters and adhere to safety guidelines is crucial to prevent similar incidents in the future. This includes proper storage of fuel away from open flames and conducting transactions in a controlled environment to minimize spill risks.
Michael Kasadha reiterated the need for legal and safe fuel storage, stating, “Ensuring that fuel is stored safely and legally is crucial to prevent such devastating incidents.”
Hillary Kalyango emphasized the inherent risks, noting, “The quest for easy money and business must not compromise safety. This incident is a wake-up call for stricter safety measures.”
The Buyende house fire serves as a tragic reminder of the consequences of inadequate safety practices in fuel handling and storage.
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