Grief counselling is being offered to 2 families following a tragic fire in Olympic Way, St. Andrew, which claimed the lives of 3 toddlers this morning (Jan 27).
The identities of the children have not been released, but it’s reported that they include twin boys, aged one year, and one 2 year old girl, who is also a twin.
Her twin sister and an older brother, aged 3 years, were rescued and both have been admitted to the Bustamante Hospital, at the intensive care unit, with severe burns.
Public Relations Officer at the Fire Brigade Emilio Ebanks says the call about the fire was received at about 1:00 a.m. and units from Half Way Tree and Trench Town responded.
Meantime, MP for East Rural St. Andrew Juliet Holness visited the scene of the fire today, on behalf of her husband Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in whose constituency the incident occurred.
Mrs. Holness told Irie FM News that based on preliminary reports, the fire resulted from a lit candle which later caused a cooking gas cylinder to explode.
She says the parents of the children were visited by representatives of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency, to offer support and counselling, particularly for one mother who was already in grief after the recent death of another relative.
Mrs. Holness adds that she has coordinated relief for the affected families, in terms of emergency shelter, food and money.
And, Prime Minister Andrew Holness says he has asked the Ministry of Science Technology and Energy to fast-track a planned program aimed at replacing open flame light sources, with solar lights in homes in vulnerable rural and inner-city communities.
The comment follows a deadly fire in his West Central St. Andrew constituency this morning which claimed the lives of three toddlers.
It’s reported that the fire resulted from a lit candle which later caused a cooking gas cylinder to explode.
In a statement today, Mr. Holness expressed deep sadness at the tragic incident, adding that he has instructed his office to do all that is possible to ensure the safety and comfort of the children who have survived and also ensure that those who have been made homeless by the fire find shelter and the relevant supplies to begin rebuilding their lives.
Mr. Holness says he has also instructed that an audit is done of all households in his constituency to determine which depend on open light sources so that they can urgently be replaced.
The Prime Minister says this is the second time in as many weeks that fire has claimed the lives of children.
He says more can be done to stem the danger, by educating persons on fire safety.
He notes that the government has a role to play and will be ensuring that no Jamaican has to use kerosene lamps or candles because they cannot afford electricity with this new initiative.
The planned program aimed at replacing open flame light sources with solar lights is being led by the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica.
While extending condolences to the affected families, Mr. Holness also praised the young man who reportedly helped rescue the 2 children who survived the blaze.
The Prime Minster posted a video of the young man identified as Lebony Johnson, on his social media page.
Meanwhile, the Hunts Bay police say they are questioning a woman in relation to the death of three children who perished in a fire on Booby Drive, Kingston 13 about 1:00 a.m. today.
The police have not given any details as to why the woman is being questioned.