Three family members killed in house collapse

Saturday’s heavy rains in Huye District ruined a residential house, leaving three people dead, local leaders said. The deceased were identified as Jean Claude Hategekimana, in his 40s, his wife Alphonsine Dusabimana, 25, and a toddler, all residents of Sovu Cell, Huye sector. A five-year-old child survived the horrific incident. Local leaders and residents said the downpour started at 8pm until 12am on Saturday. Residents converge at the scene. Calixte Sebagande, 60, a grandparent to the child, said, the child was rescued from debris and rushed to Sovu Health Centre and is out of danger. “A woman in the neighbourhood heard the toddler crying and alerted others. Upon arrival, we found the mother, the baby and husband all dead,’’ residents said. ‘‘The toddler was covered by debris halfway. We rescued him,” said Christophe Ndabazigiye, a resident. Huye District Mayor, Eugène Kayiranga Muzuka, said, “The child was taken to the health centre for first aid and he is now well. Though his parents passed on, he has an extended family that has promised to take care of him.” He said the district was still gathering information to establish the monetary value of damages caused by the heavy rains. Preliminary information indicated that the rain also destroyed some plantations. Last month, rain also caused damages in Karama and Mbazi Sector, Huye District, where some houses and crops were destroyed.

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Three family members killed in house collapse