A fire outbreak in Gasabo District on Thursday, April 3, killed a 45-year-old man and two of his children, while they were asleep. Emmanuel Sebatware, his 12-year-old son Blaise Mugisha and 6-year-old daughter Grace Unejeje, lost their lives in the fire that broke out around 5am, a spokesperson of the police said. ALSO READ: Emergency Ministry calls for more fire extinguishers in secondary cities Five people who were also sleeping in the house sustained injuries in the fire that gutted a big part of the rented house located in Ruhango Cell of Gisozi Sector. Sebatware's wife was away for work in Musanze District at the time of the incident, The New Times learnt. The five survivors were sleeping in different rooms when the fire started, Chief Inspector of Police Wellars Gahonzire, the spokesperson for the Rwanda National Police in the City of Kigali, told The New Times on Thursday evening. Among them were the younger sister of Sebatware’s wife, who was with another child in a different room, and three maids who were in a separate house on the same property. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Hotel Muhabura suspends operations after fire incident Police officers, Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) detectives and local officials arrived at the scene when the fire had already claimed Sebatware and his two children. According to the police officer, the bodies of the deceased were taken to Kacyiru Hospital. The fire destroyed a significant part of the house, including the roof and furniture, but two cars parked inside the compound were spared. Police estimate the damage to be over Rwf30 million. The house belongs to one Faustin Harerimana. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fires are often linked to electrical wiring, but in this case, we have ruled that out, Gahonzire stated. He said the authorities found 20 litres of petrol inside the house. We are working to determine who purchased it and whether it played a role in the fire, he added. The police officer said they were also looking into claims by neighbours who suggested that the family had a history of conflicts. Sebatware was involved in various business ventures, including a hotel in Musanze, where his wife was at the time of the incident, Gahonzire said. People should avoid storing flammable materials inside their homes, as they pose a serious risk, he warned, adding that using electrical appliances during heavy rains was also risky as lightning might trigger fatal short circuits. He emphasised the importance of having fire extinguishers and the basic skills to use them. It is crucial for people to insure their properties, as this particular house did not have any insurance, he added.
