At least five members of the same family have died after a fire broke out in a residential house in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland administration, local sources confirmed on Tuesday.
Those killed in the blaze were identified as a mother, her three children, and their maternal aunt. The victims were reportedly living together in the house at the time the fire erupted. According to residents and relatives, the only survivor from the household was the family’s grandmother, who managed to escape the incident.
The cause of the fire has not yet been officially confirmed, but preliminary reports suggest it may have been linked to electrical faults or domestic energy sources. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the deadly incident.
Firefighters from the Hargeisa municipal fire brigade responded to the scene and managed to contain and extinguish the fire after an emergency operation. Despite their efforts, the victims had already succumbed to the flames and smoke inhalation before rescue teams could reach them.
Local government officials are expected to visit the site of the incident and provide further details, including possible causes and measures to prevent similar tragedies. The incident has sparked widespread grief and shock among residents of the neighborhood and across the city.
The tragedy comes amid strong winds affecting several parts of Somalia, including the northwest regions. Authorities have issued public warnings urging residents to take extra precautions, particularly regarding the use of electricity, cooking gas, and open flames, as high winds can rapidly intensify fires and increase the risk of large-scale damage.
Local officials have renewed calls for improved fire safety awareness and stronger emergency response measures, especially in densely populated residential areas. Community leaders have also appealed for support to the surviving family members as they cope with the aftermath of the tragedy.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about fire safety, infrastructure standards, and emergency preparedness in urban areas, where similar accidents have claimed lives in recent years.