East African Gazette
Arua
A tragic incident occurred on January 25, 2024, in Okuazaku cell, Arivu ward, Ayivu East Division, Arua City, where a newly married couple lost their lives in a fire caused by smuggled fuel. The victims were identified as Emmanuel Adima, 30, and his wife Lilian Anguezaru, 20.
The West Nile Regional Police spokesperson, Josephine Angucia, stated that the Regional Fire Brigade responded to the distress call at 11:43pm.
Despite their efforts, Anguezaru had already passed away, while Adima was in critical condition.
Unfortunately, Adima succumbed to his injuries later in Arua Hospital.
Investigations revealed that Adima had been involved in illegal fuel dealings, smuggling fuel from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
It is alleged that on the day of the incident, Adima had stored multiple Jerrycans of petrol near the front door of their house. When he lit a matchbox, which had been soaked with petrol fumes, the house caught fire, resulting in the tragic death of his wife. Adima managed to escape but suffered severe burns all over his body, leading to his demise on January 24, 2024, at Arua hospital.
The police have highlighted the increasing trend of fuel smuggling across the DR Congo border in the West Nile Region, emphasizing the dangers of storing fuel improperly in homes.
They have urged the public to refrain from engaging in such illegal activities, as they not only violate the law but also pose a significant risk of fire accidents