Glen Norah House Fire Claims Life of Grade Four Learner

By Staff Reporter

A Grade Four learner from Shiriyedenga Primary School in Glen Norah A, Harare, has died after suffering severe burns in a house fire that broke out at her family home on Saturday evening.

The incident happened on 15 August 2026 at around 7pm, with residents reportedly saying the fire started after a gas tank burst inside one of the rooms.

The learner, identified as Ashley, was in the two-roomed family home with her sibling when the fire broke out. Her sibling managed to escape, but Ashley ran into a bedroom and became trapped as the flames spread through the house.

Neighbours rushed to the scene and attempted to rescue the child, but their efforts were initially hampered because the only access to the bedroom was through the burning room.

Community member Tatenda Katsiga said residents eventually resorted to breaking through the bedroom wall to reach the trapped learner.

The rescue reportedly took between 15 and 20 minutes, after which Ashley was pulled from the burning house and rushed to a medical facility in Glen Norah.

She was later referred to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, where she died on the morning of Sunday, 16 August, while receiving treatment.

The fire destroyed the family home and most of their belongings, including important documents.

Ashley’s uncle, Tererai Mubaiwa, said the family was devastated by the loss.

“By the time I got home, the house was in ashes,” he said.

The family was reportedly making burial arrangements while awaiting the necessary burial order, with plans to lay the young learner to rest in the rural areas.

The tragedy has left the family mourning the loss of a child while also facing the destruction of their home and property.