A heart-wrenching scene unfolded in Lusaka on May 6, 2025, as the Phiri family laid to rest their three young children who tragically lost their lives in a house fire in Kabanana Township in Lusaka, Zambia in the evening of Friday, May 2, 2025.
The victims, Nathan Phiri (7), Emmanuel Phiri Jr. (4), and Subilo Phiri (2), died after flames engulfed their home while their parents were away. Despite efforts by neighbours to extinguish the blaze, which some claimed was caused by lightening and thunder, the fire proved too fierce to contain in time. The children suffered fatal burns and their bodies were later recovered from the debris.
The victims
A sombre funeral service was held at Bread of Life Church in Emmasdale, before the children were buried at Mutumbi Memorial and Remembrance Park, which generously offered a free burial site. The service drew mourners from across Lusaka, including senior government officials and local leaders.
The parents being consoled by symphatisers
Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata, in her address, extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the government, pledging both financial and emotional support to the grieving parents, Mr. and Mrs. Emmanuel Phiri. “This is a dark and difficult time,” she said. “The family needs our collective support, and we urge all Zambians to stand with them in solidarity.”
Area Member of Parliament Christopher Shakafuswa also paid tribute, thanking well-wishers and expressing gratitude to Mutumbi Memorial Cemetery for their compassionate gesture.
According to a police report filed at Chipwalu Police Post, Mr. Phiri left the house around 18:00 hours to fetch his wife from Chazanga Compound, leaving their three children at home. Around 21:30 hours, he received a distress call informing him that his house was on fire. By the time he returned, the blaze had already consumed the home and tragically claimed the lives of his children.
Police have since launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. The bodies of the deceased were initially taken to University Teaching Hospital (UTH) Mortuary for post-mortem examination. The value of the property destroyed has not yet been assessed.
Police Public Relations Officer Rae Hamoonga extended condolences to the family and urged the public to prioritise fire safety in their homes.
As the city mourns the tragic loss of three innocent lives, Lusaka unites in grief and in hope that the Phiri family will one day find peace amid their unimaginable sorrow.
