By HAN News Desk
HARGEISA — Four children from the same family have died after their father allegedly set their house on fire in the Ahmed Dhagax district of Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland administration, according to the country’s Fire and Rescue Department.
Authorities said the victims — three boys and one girl — were all under the age of ten. The father is accused of deliberately igniting the fire following a domestic dispute with his wife.
Witnesses told local media that the children’s mother was not at home when the blaze broke out, as she had gone out with her youngest child, who was still breastfeeding. The infant was the only one who survived.
Firefighters and police officers rushed to the scene after being alerted by neighbors, but by the time they arrived, the flames had already engulfed the house. Rescue efforts were unsuccessful as the children were trapped inside.
Police officials confirmed that the father had been arrested and that a formal investigation was underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and the motive behind the act.
Local authorities and residents of Ahmed Dhagax district expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the tragedy, describing it as one of the most heartbreaking incidents in recent memory.
Community leaders have called for justice for the victims and urged greater public awareness on resolving domestic conflicts peacefully to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
