By Gerard Niyirinda
Police in Kisoro is investigating circumstances under which a 74 year old woman died as a result of a fire outbreak at her residence in Nyabitare village, Rwaramba Parish, Kisoro district.
The deceased has been identified as Anastazia Cyizanye, sister to former Agriculture Minister Tress Bucyanayandi.
Cyizanye was burnt beyond recognition by the consuming fire alongside all her property yesterday evening as residents looked on in shock.
Fire Brigade teams from Kisoro responded and put out the fire but it was far too late to save the old woman’s life.
The deceased’s charred body was taken to Kisoro Hospital Mortuary for postmortem
Son to the deceased Nickson Murangira aged 45 and resident of Mburara village, Gasiza parish, Nyakabande Sub County says he notified Police after learning about the fire.
According to Murangira, his mother was living by herself at the time of the tragic incident. She was also recovering from a fracture on her hip limiting her ability to move.
The late Cyizanye was a habitual smoker, as was explained by several family members.
The sister to the deceased Hakiza Corotirida says, the old woman used to smoke constantly and this could have caused the fire outbreak.
Police sources told Voice of Muhabura, that preliminary investigations indicate that, a lit cigarette could have come into contact with the mattress she was sleeping on.
“We believe the old woman could have fallen asleep while still holding a lit cigarette. Once it got into contact with the mattress and she was unable to get out of the bed. We believe she died from asphyxiation”, Source stressed.
Asphyxiation refers to the state or process of being deprived of oxygen, which can result in unconsciousness or death; suffocation.
Nyabitare LC1 Chairperson Peace Nyiranteguye says the entire village is greatly dismayed by the untimely death of the old woman.
Nyiranteguye further advised communities to desist from the habit of smoking because it has no positive gains.
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