By Quinton Alomp – EM TV News, Port Moresby
Three children between the ages of two and six were burnt to death at Port Moresby’s Burns Peak settlement, near Hohola.
The parents are in shock and could not establish the cause of the fire that claimed the lives of their children.
Whatever remains of the bodies were left at the Port Moresby General Hospital morgue.
Police are yet to make formal investigations.
Family spokesman, Martin Londe, said the mother locked up the three children, two girls and a boy, ages six, four and two respectively in the house.
The mother bolted the door using a chain and a padlock, according to Londe.
Unconfirmed reports are that the mother went gambling and the father was selling at the roadside market.
It was reported that a kerosene stove was still alight when the mother locked the door, and it is believed the fire must have spread from the stove.
Eyewitnesses said the incident happened at around 2:30pm and completely destroyed the semi-permanent house within 30 minutes.
When the mother heard of the news, she rushed to the house but was too late.
She was chased by angry neighbours to the Hohola police station.
Station Commander, Inspector Ben Kua, said the woman arrived at the station half naked, with only a trouser and a bleeding hand. She was locked up for safety reasons at the police station and released this morning.
Inspector Kua said the mother is from Tari, Southern Highlands province and the father from Wabag.
Relatives are appealing for help, and they request for clothing and basic utensils to restart the couple’s life.
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