A middle-aged woman and her two children have lost their lives in a fire incident on Sunday night in Ondo State.

The fire incident happened at Rainbow Street, Onipakala Junction, off Adeyemi Road, in Ondo West Local Government Area.

A family source, speaking under anonymity, told journalists on Monday that the victims were burnt beyond recognition in the inferno, which lasted for hours.

The source said the mother was a petty trader, while the two children were identified as Bukola, aged 16 and Ife, 11.

He also said the fire destroyed the entire building where they were trapped.

According to him, the efforts by neighbours to save their lives proved abortive as the state Fire Service in the town failed to mobilise.

“When the fire was raging, we called the fire service, only to be informed that there was no water and chemicals.

“In fact, immediately, the officer switched off his cell phone,” the source said.

CSP Funmilayo Odunlami, Ondo police public relations officer (PPRO), confirmed the incident to journalists on Monday through text messages.

“Yes, their remains have been deposited at the morgue by the police,” Ms Odunlami said.

Also, the chief fire officer in Ondo State, Bimbola Araroba, told journalists that he could not confirm the incident, saying only the officer in the area could confirm it.

(NAN)