A Four months old boy has died in an inferno after the house he was in caught fire.
The incident occurred on 25th February 2026 around 18:00 hours in Chililabombwe District in Copperbelt Province, in Kanenga Village, when the child’s mother had gone to fetch water.
Sharon Kabelenga, 19, the mother of the child, said she went to fetch water around 17:00 hours from a nearby borehole when the incident occurred.
”I saw smoke and flames coming from my house from a distance and I rushed to check but I found the house is completely gutted while the baby was still inside, ” she said.
She said she tried to pour water where the baby was sleeping, but the child had already died.
“I did not leave any fire at the house. I am still wondering what could have caused the fire,” Kabelenga said.
Simuchi Musanje, the baby’s grandmother, said it was unfortunate that the family had lost the child in such a tragic manner.
Ms Musanje added that the family lost everything in the fire and did not know where to start from.
She said important documents, including National Registration Cards (NRCs), were destroyed, and they are left with only the clothes they were wearing.
“We are appealing for any assistance from well-wishers,” she said.
Meanwhile, Village Headman Kanenga said he was saddened by the death of the babe.
The Headman noted that the family had lost all their belongings and did not even know how they will manage to bury the child.
“I am appealing for any help for the family, as they have been left with nothing,” he said.
