A heartbreaking tragedy has plunged the people of Lagaip District into mourning after eight members of a family — including four children and an unborn baby — perished in a devastating house fire at Pyakain Village, Pilikambi Local Level Government (LLG), Enga Province, early last week.
The blaze is believed to have started around 1am while the family was asleep. Within moments, the flames tore through the home, trapping everyone inside.
Villagers awoke to the glow of the inferno lighting up the dark highlands night, but by the time they reached the scene, it was too late. The house had been completely reduced to ashes. All eight victims — three adults, four children, and a pregnant mother just two weeks away from giving birth — were burned to death.
Former Lagaip Open MP Aimos Joseph Akem expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, calling it “one of the darkest moments for the Lagaip District.”
“This is a dark day for Lagaip. Two of the victims are from the Sambe Tribe and six are from the Apulin Tribe in Pilikambi. We have lost eight precious lives in such a painful and heartbreaking way,” Akem said.
Mr. Akem, who visited Pyakain Village soon after the tragedy, comforted the grieving families and stood beside them in prayer and mourning. He said the loss has left the entire community in deep shock, with families and friends struggling to comprehend the sudden loss of so many lives.
Adding to the sorrow, Mr Akem also paid tribute to two other prominent figures from Lagaip who passed away recently — Lagaip Council President Tongo Aulo and legendary local musician Daniel Bilip from Kondal Village.
“This month has been filled with sadness for our people,” Akem said.
“We are mourning not just one, but many great losses.”
The Pyakain Village fire stands as a haunting reminder of the fragility of life — a tragedy that has left an entire district united in grief and searching for answers amid the ashes.
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