By Mike Rwothomio
Three people, including a baby, are suffering from severe burns after a cooker ignited petrol fumes stored in their semi-permanent house.
The distressing incident occurred on October 19 in Otheko Parish, Paidha Sub-County, Zombo district.
The victims, including a couple and their child, are all in critical condition at Nebbi General Hospital. One of the victims has been identified as Alan Oyirwoth, a prominent gospel artist in the West Nile Sub-region.
Speaking from his hospital bed on October 22, Oyirwoth recounted the incident, explaining that it occurred around 8:00 PM as he transferred 20 litres of petrol from one jerry can to another.
“We had a 20-litre jerrycan of petrol in our house, and I was trying to pour it into another jerrycan. A stove was at a distance, but I don’t know how the fire ignited. Suddenly, the whole house was in flames,” he said.
He added, “I escaped immediately, but when I realised my wife and child were still inside, I went back to rescue them despite the flames. We came out together, though I got injured. My wife and child are in a serious condition, but we thank God for saving our lives.”
The fire destroyed the family’s property, including Oyirwoth’s phone. An eyewitness told this publication that the fire caught everyone by surprise.
Local leaders rushed the victims to Otheko Health Centre III, but they were later referred to Nebbi General Hospital. While Oyirwoth’s condition is stable, his wife and child remain in critical condition.
Paidha Sub-County LCIII chairperson William Okethi advised locals to exercise caution when handling and storing petrol in their homes and garages.
Grison Openjmungu, chairperson of the Paidha Zombo Gospel Association, called for prayers and financial support for Oyirwoth, noting, “This is a trying moment for us all. We will stand by him now and afterwards. I urge everyone to keep praying for them.”
This tragedy follows another fuel-related incident that occurred on October 22, where a fuel tanker explosion in Kigoogwa, Kampala, left 11 people dead.
