A 33-year-old man and his 18-year-old nephew have died, while his wife sustained severe burns, following a fire caused by a petrol explosion that gutted their house.

Mangochi Police Station Public Relations Officer Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi said the deceased have been identified as Yusuf Samson and Ziyaka John, both from Matungwi Village under Traditional Authority Jalasi in Mangochi.

Reports indicate that Samson was a well-known petroleum vendor operating at Idrusi Trading Centre. On the evening of 8 September 2024, he brought jerricans of petrol into his compound as usual. However, one jerrican was leaking, and he decided to transfer the fuel into another jerrican which was inside the house with the help of his nephew, while his wife was cooking in the sitting room using a charcoal burner.

During the process, the fuel ignited, causing a fire that quickly spread throughout the house. Samson and his wife managed to escape and were rushed to Mangochi District Hospital, where Samson died the following day while receiving treatment.

His nephew, who was trapped inside, suffered severe burns and was found completely burned the next morning.
Meanwhile, Samson’s wife is still receiving treatment at Mangochi District Hospital for burns to both her arms and legs.

Police in the district have warned the public to cease illegal fuel vending to prevent loss of life and ensure the safety and security of households.