Tendai Muererwa
Mutare – A heartbreaking tragedy struck Masasi Village under Chief Muusha in Chimanimani after a three year old girl died when a disused vehicle caught fire while she was playing inside it.
The deceased identified as Cute Mlambo (3), lost her life on July 29 at around 4pm after being trapped inside the vehicle.
According to reports Cute was playing with a six yeaar old friend from the same village inside an abandoned car shell belonging to Joshua Mhuka (46) of Masasi Village. While the children were playing, Cute reportedly got out of the vehicle and picked up a burning piece of charcoal from a nearby kitchen before taking it back into the car.
Moments later, the vehicle caught fire. The six year old child managed to escape from the burning wreck without sustaining any injuries, but Cute was unable to get out. She was trapped inside and was burnt beyond recognition.
The owner of the vehicle, Joshua Mhuka reportedly noticed smoke and flames from a distance and rushed to the scene. Although he managed to extinguish the fire, it was too late to save the toddler. He discovered her charred remains inside the vehicle.
Police from ZRP Nyanyadzi attended the scene and transported the body to Birchenough Bridge Hospital Mortuary for a post-mortem examination. Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident and urged parents and guardians to closely supervise young children at all times.
“This tragic incident serves as a reminder to parents and guardians to ensure that children are not left unattended, especially around potentially dangerous places such as abandoned vehicles, open fires and other hazardous environments. Constant supervision can help prevent the loss of innocent lives,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Police have since classified the matter as a sudden death and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are underway.
