11-year-old killed in Bayelsa house fire on New Year’s Day
An 11-year-old child has died in a devastating house fire that broke out in Bayelsa State on New Year’s Day, leaving family members and neighbours in deep mourning. The fire occurred in the early hours of January 1, 2026, at a residential compound in Yenagoa, the state capital, when flames suddenly engulfed the home for reasons that are still under investigation by local authorities. Emergency responders and neighbours rushed to the scene in an effort to put out the blaze, but the intensity of the fire and fast spread made it difficult to control in time. Firefighters who arrived struggled to access parts of the building due to structural obstacles, and by the time the flames were subdued, the young victim had already been overcome by smoke inhalation and injuries sustained in the fire.
Family members described the child as a lively and cheerful pupil who was looking forward to the new year, and they expressed profound grief at losing a beloved sibling and community member in such tragic circumstances. Neighbours and local residents gathered at the scene to offer assistance and extend condolences to the grieving family, many calling for improved fire safety awareness and preventive measures in homes across the state. Officials from the Bayelsa State Fire Service have launched an inquiry to determine the exact cause of the blaze, including whether electrical faults, unattended cooking equipment or other factors may have contributed to the rapid outbreak and spread of the fire.
The incident has drawn widespread sympathy from community leaders, civic groups and social media users, with many urging residents to prioritise safety through regular checks of electrical wiring, fire extinguishers and escape plans, particularly during festive periods when the risk of household accidents may increase. Authorities have reiterated the importance of early warning systems and access to functional firefighting equipment in residential neighbourhoods to help prevent future tragedies.
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