Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
Two young boys were killed in a devastating fire that razed a house near Mukumbura Border Post in the early hours of Sunday, in a tragedy linked to suspected illegal fuel storage.
The boys Dean (10) and Dwayne (4), were burnt beyond recognition when flames engulfed their home, owned by their father, Mr Doban Vambe.
Mr Vambe sustained severe burns while attempting to rescue the children and is currently admitted at Mount Darwin District Hospital.
According to Mt Darwin District Development Coordinator, Mr White Nkoma, the fire broke out while Mr Vambe who is allegedly involved in illegal fuel trading, was serving a client.
Flames are believed to have spread from a fireplace to petrol stored in the house, rapidly igniting a blaze.
“The dealer was serving a client when the fire started from the fireplace to the fuel being sold, and flames got into a room where there were more stocks of fuel. There was also a gas tank in the house,” said Mr Nkoma.
The blaze quickly intensified, destroying the entire house and a kombi parked nearby.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over the dangers of storing and trading fuel in residential areas
Officials from the Department of Civil Protection are expected to carry out further investigations.
