Zambian Family Loses Three Children in Lightning-Induced Fire
Zambian Family Loses Three Children in Lightning-Induced Fire – Three young brothers d!ed in a house fire after a suspected lightning strike sparked an electrical fault in the Kabanana Site and Service area of Lusaka on Friday evening.
The victims—Nathan (7), Emmanuel Jr. (4), and little Subilo Phiri (2)—were left home alone when their father, Emmanuel Phiri (34), a well-respected elder in the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church, stepped out briefly to fetch his wife who had been stranded in traffic.
Tragedy struck moments after he left.
A bolt of lightning, part of a violent storm that evening, is believed to have caused an electrical surge that triggered the blaze.
Neighbours rushed to help, trying to battle the flames and break into the house, but the fire spread too fast
By the time Phiri received a panicked phone call and rushed back, his home was engulfed.
Zambian police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga confirmed the devastating news, stating that the charred bodies of the three boys were recovered from the debris.
“Despite desperate efforts from those nearby, the fire could not be controlled in time. All three children suffered fatal burns. Investigations are still underway,” said Hamoonga.
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The children’s grandfather, speaking through tears during a Diamond TV interview, left viewers heartbroken: “I’ve lost them… my grandchildren… good, strong boys… Forget the property, I’ve lost lives.”
The SDA Lusaka North District, where Phiri serves as a church elder, posted an emotional tribute: “Our bass man, Elder Emmanuel Phiri, has tragically lost his three boys. Please keep this family in prayer.”
Local pastor Wonder Hamukandi and the broader community have rallied around the family, calling for support and comforting the devastated parents. Neighbours described the boys as vibrant, happy children who brought joy wherever they went.
As funeral plans are underway, there is growing concern over emergency response times and poor road infrastructure in the area, which may have delayed rescue efforts.
