Tragedy struck Chief Chikuwe’s Chiefdom in Chipangali District on Sunday night when a house fire claimed the lives of a mother and her two young children. Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mwemba confirmed the incident, identifying the deceased as Aliness Nyirenda, 27, and her children, Cecilia Ngondo, 1, and George Ngondo, 5. A neighbour, Miles Daka, reported hearing a loud bang followed by cries for help before rushing to the scene. He was immediately rushed to Muzeyi Mission Hospital and later referred to Chipata Central Hospital for further treatment. Police confirmed that the bodies of the deceased have since been deposited at Chipata Central Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem and burial.