TWO people died while three others, including a toddler,
sustained serious burns following a suspected petrol and liquefied petroleum
gas explosion at a house whose occupants illegally sold fuel at Nkayi Centre,
Matabeleland North.
The incident occurred on Friday evening at a Government
house occupied by a Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services officer.
Businesspeople at Nkayi Centre said the explosion rattled
widows at buildings and sent black smoke billowing into the sky.
Nkayi District Development Coordinator Ms Matilda Mlotshwa
yesterday confirmed the incident. “Yes, there is a sad development that
occurred on Friday and I don’t even know where to start. The information that I
have received from the police is that two people have died following a fuel
explosion while three others including a one year-two-months old baby are
battling for life at Mpilo Central Hospital.
“One of the deceased is the baby’s mother who died
yesterday (Sunday) and a 28-year-old man who died on the spot,” said Ms
Mlotshwa.
She said it was a very tragic incident which could have
been avoided.
“We have lost very young people and my appeal is that
people should not keep flammable and dangerous fuels in their homes. This is
fuel that should have been left at a fuel station instead of bringing it at
home. The explosion is said to have been caused by an open fire and petrol or
diesel but it’s all speculation because those involved cannot speak due to
burns they sustained while others are dead,” she said.
She said the incident occurred at a Government house
occupied by a prison officer whose wife died while a minor child is battling
for life at hospital.
Nkayi South MP Cde Stars Mathe expressed shock over the
incident.
“What is clear is that the fire explosion was caused by
fuel that was stored at home. The house occupants had been raided by police
three days prior to the incident but they restocked. However, at the moment we
are not sure what really sparked the explosion because their neighbours said
there was a serious explosion. We are waiting for police to complete their
investigations. Some are suspecting that the explosion was caused by contact
between petrol and a lit gas stove yet others are saying the explosive fire was
ignited by a lit candle as there was no electricity,” said Cde Mathe.
She said if CMED had not stopped supplying fuel to Nkayi
the disaster could have been averted.
“I’ve no kind words for CMED as it stopped supplying fuel
to Nkayi nearly two years ago saying the place is far. Is it the only place
that is far in the country? As it stands there is no fuel station at Nkayi
centre and some people try to take advantage of the gap the parastatal left.
This accident could have been avoided if the parastatal had continued to
provide fuel to the district,” she said.
Cde Mathe however warned members of the public against
keeping fuel at home. Chronicle
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