Desperate rescue attempts by neighbors were not enough to save three young lives after a gas cylinder exploded in Mahoma Village in Gem Yala Sub-County, Siaya County, leaving the community reeling in grief.

​The children were alone at home on Monday, September 21 evening when the violent explosion set off a roaring blaze that gutted their family’s house within minutes.

​According to Siriwo Sub-Location Assistant Chief Dedan Ogol, neighbours alerted by the loud bang raced to extinguish the flames, but the structure was already fully engulfed.

​”The parents were away when the fire broke out. The response was immediate, but the fire spread too fast for anyone to reach the children,” Ogol said.

​The bodies were recovered burnt beyond recognition after the flames were finally put out. Authorities have opened an investigation into the incident to determine what triggered the fatal gas explosion.