Police in Homa Bay County have launched investigations into a tragic fire incident that claimed the lives of two young children and left two others seriously injured in Rachuonyo West Constituency.

The incident occurred on Sunday in Kongonge Upper Village, where a house was destroyed by fire under circumstances that authorities are now investigating.

The children who died were aged three years and one year. According to reports, the victims were inside the house when the fire broke out.

Despite efforts to save them, the two succumbed to severe burns sustained during the incident.

Two other children who were also in the house survived but suffered serious burn injuries. They were rescued from the burning structure and rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are receiving treatment.

“The fire spread rapidly through the house, leaving little time for those inside to escape,” said an eye witness.

Community members responded to the scene and helped rescue the surviving children before emergency assistance arrived.

According to information gathered by investigators, the children’s mother is suspected of having set the house on fire while the children were inside. However, police have not yet released their findings, and investigations are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances that led to the incident.

Authorities said detectives are collecting evidence and recording statements from witnesses as part of efforts to determine what happened before the fire started.

The tragedy was compounded by reports that the children’s mother later died by suicide shortly after the incident. Police are also investigating the circumstances surrounding her death as part of the broader inquiry.

The incident has left residents of Kongonge Upper Village in shock, with many describing it as one of the most heartbreaking events the community has witnessed in recent years.

The bodies of the two children were moved to mortuary pending further procedures, while authorities continue with investigations.