In the early hours of Friday, a tragic fire broke out in Kaunda Square, Lusaka, casting a shadow over Zambia’s 60th Independence Anniversary celebrations. The inferno claimed the life of 98-year-old Doris Simuyemba, a beloved member of the local community, and destroyed household goods valued at several thousands of Kwacha.
The blaze began just before midnight, swiftly engulfing homes and leaving behind a trail of destruction. Family members, friends, and neighbors watched helplessly as the fire consumed their properties. According to Rabson Banda, a family representative, the cause of the fire remains unknown at this time. However, investigations are expected to take place to determine what led to such a devastating tragedy.
The timing of the fire is particularly poignant, occurring just hours before Zambia’s 60th Independence Anniversary celebrations, a day meant for national unity and reflection. Instead, the Kaunda Square community is mourning the loss of Doris Simuyemba, who had lived to witness the nation’s milestones and whose passing has deeply affected those around her.
Authorities have yet to provide further information on what may have ignited the fire, and emergency response teams are conducting assessments to understand the extent of the damage. The local community is rallying to support those affected, while family members of Simuyemba are grappling with the sudden loss of their matriarch.
As the country gears up for its Independence Day festivities, this heartbreaking event serves as a reminder of the fragility of life, and the Kaunda Square community now faces the daunting task of rebuilding their lives in the wake of this tragedy.
Further updates will be provided as more details emerge regarding the cause of the fire and the full scale of the damage. In the meantime, the nation stands in solidarity with the families impacted by this devastating event.
By Peter Zunda