adminWhinsley Masara Chronicle Reporter
A BULAWAYO woman who survived a house fire that killed her 11-month-old daughter on Wednesday is said to be recovering at Mpilo Central hospital.
Portia Makuva, 29, of Sizinda Flats, whose husband died last month, was rushed to hospital after her apartment caught fire on Wednesday morning.
A fire brigade crew went into the burning house and found her unconscious under a running shower with her dead child next to her.
Her uncle, Emmanuelle Ncube, said Makuva’s baby is suspected to have died from smoke inhalation during the fire.
“She’s slowly recovering although she can’t talk yet but her condition shows slight improvement, compared to yesterday.
“Because this is a difficult situation to come to terms with, she seems a little disturbed and so nurses have tied her to her bed,” said Ncube.
He said the family hoped she would soon be able to explain what transpired.
“We wish to know what exactly happened and we thank God she made it,” said Ncube.
Commenting on the cause of the fire, Bulawayo chief fire officer Richard Peterson on Wednesday said arson or suicide could not be ruled out. “We’re still investigating on the cause of the fire, although we can’t rule out arson or suicide.”
Neighbours had to climb up a balcony, break through steel burglar bars and smash down a door with axes and hammers to gain access into the apartment as all doors were locked.
Online Reporter