Father, Son Killed in Suspected Petrol-Linked Fire in Mchinji

A 44-year-old man, Sternard Kasitomu, and his eight-year-old son have died in a massive fire that broke out after petrol leaked onto a charcoal burner in the Guilime area of Mchinji District.

A neighbour of the deceased family, David Elias, said the incident occurred in the early hours of this morning while the victims were reportedly selling petrol to customers from their home.

He added that the fire also burned and injured the deceased’s wife and another child, who were asleep at the time. They are currently receiving medical treatment at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe.

Police and medical officials have yet to comment on the incident.