Akure, Ondo State – In a heartbreaking incident, two young siblings, aged three and five, were tragically burnt to death in a fire that engulfed their home in Oluwatuyi Quarters, Akure. The toddlers had reportedly been left locked in the house by their mother, who had gone to the market.
The fire, which occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, consumed the apartment before any rescue attempts could save the children. Witnesses and neighbors recounted the harrowing moments when the children’s cries were misinterpreted, delaying critical intervention.
Father Collapses on Hearing the News
The father of the deceased children, upon learning of their tragic demise, reportedly collapsed in shock. Concerned neighbors quickly rushed him to a nearby hospital for medical attention. His condition remains undisclosed at the time of this report.
Neighbors Speak Out
Eyewitnesses described the sequence of events leading to the tragedy. A neighbor recounted hearing the cries of the children but assumed it was routine scolding from their mother.
“We heard the children crying, but we didn’t realize they were in danger. We thought it was their mother disciplining them. When the cries became persistent, we decided to check, only to discover the house engulfed in flames,” the neighbor explained.
Attempts to rescue the siblings were unsuccessful due to the intensity of the fire.
Gas Leak Suspected
Another neighbor suggested that a gas leak might have triggered the fire. “It’s possible the mother mistakenly left the gas on before leaving for the market,” the source speculated. Efforts to extinguish the flames and save the children were futile as the fire quickly consumed the apartment.
Emergency services were contacted, but by the time the fire was brought under control, it was too late. The charred remains of the siblings were found near the entrance of the apartment.
Bodies Recovered and Investigation Underway
The remains of the toddlers have been evacuated by the police and transferred to the morgue at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMED) in Akure. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess any potential negligence.
A Grim Reminder
This tragedy underscores the importance of fire safety awareness and the need for responsible childcare practices. As the community mourns the loss of these innocent lives, calls for greater vigilance and preventive measures in households have grown louder.
Hobnob News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as they unfold.
