Roseline Mutare
A gas explosion at a house in Rujeko C in Masvingo left the family counting its losses after they lost a son in the inferno.
The sad incident happened on January 24, 2025, leaving a family of three in critical condition and claiming the life of a 14-year-old boy.
According to Masvingo province police spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, the tragedy occurred at the homestead of Ernest Kurauone (42) at around 1830hrs. Ernest and his wife, Viola Kurauone (32), were sitting outside their house when the explosion happened.
Viola’s sister, Rutendo Chindanya (29), and her son, Lawrence Chindanya (14), were cooking with a gas stove inside the house. Rutendo had just added chopped onions to the pot with boiling cooking oil when the gas suddenly exploded, engulfing the house in flames.
The police said Ernest and Viola rushed into the house to try and rescue Rutendo and Lawrence, but Viola caught fire in the process. Neighbors quickly came to their aid, ferrying the trio to Masvingo Provincial Hospital, where they were all admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as they werre in serious condition.
Later that evening, at around 2000hrs, Rutendo and Lawrence were transferred to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) for further treatment. Tragically, Lawrence died upon admission, while Rutendo remains in ICU in serious condition.
The explosion also destroyed property worth over US$900, including a four-plate stove, double bed, refrigerator, wardrobe, and other valuables.
