Chronicle Editor
Rutendo Nyeve , Sunday News Reporter
A 12-year-old boy from Nketa 7 is nursing second degree burns on his entire body after a fire broke out in a room he was sleeping in on Monday night.
The fire ravaged property including his’ disabled uncle Mr Patrick Phiri’s wheelchair.
Bulawayo Fire Brigade’s chief fire officer Mr Mhlangano Moyo confirmed the incident saying preliminary investigations indicate that a lit candle left unattended was the cause of the fire.
“We had a property fire at Nketa 7 near Musarurwa shops. We received a call at 1037pm and managed to attend the scene at 1043pm.
“We observed that there was fire in the spare bedroom of a four-roomed residential house.
“Prior to the arrival of the fire brigade, the owners and neighbors had assisted in putting out the fire. The fire destroyed bedroom contents such wardrobe, a three quarter bed, mattress and a wheelchair. A 12-year-old juvenile suffered second degree burns on the face and on both hands. The injured person was conveyed to hospital by the fire brigade ambulance,” said Mr Moyo.
He said the fire brigade carried out salvage operations and investigated the probable cause of fire which indicated that a lit candle left unattended was the cause.
In an interview with Sunday News, Mr Phiri who is the owner of the house said his nephew (12 year old Muziwakhe Moyo) entered his bedroom with a candle and forgot to switch it off which then ignited the fire.
“When he woke up he was already burning and could not see the door as the room was engulfed in smoke. As soon as he started screaming we woke up and rescued him but he was already burnt.
“He had just completed his Grade 7 exams in Lupane and came to Bulawayo to visit his aunt. He is admitted to Mpilo Hospital.
We are in distress as all the property in the room was lost including my wheelchair because I am disabled,” said Mr Phiri.@nyeve14
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