By Akinnodi Francis, Ondo

A woman and her two children, lost their lives in a fire that broke out at Olaiya Rainbow Street, Ondo City in Ondo West Local Government area of the state on Sunday.

It was gathered that the mother, a petty trader and the two children identified as Bukola and Ife, were burnt beyond recognition in the inferno that lasted for hours, destroying the entire building where they were trapped.

The fire, which broke out around 11a.m on the fateful day  was believed to have started at the residence, quickly spread and engulfed the building, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

Efforts by neighbours to save their lives proved abortive as the State Fire Service in the town failed to mobilise, claiming lack of water and chemicals.

“When the fire was raging, we called the Fire Service, only to be informed that there’s no water and chemicals. In fact, immediately, the officer switched off his cell phone,” a source who wished to remain anonymous told The Hope.

As at press time, the cause of the inferno was yet to be ascertained.

Bodies of the deceased have been taken to the mortuary at the State General Hospital in Ondo.

Meanwhile, it was gathered that the building belong to a prominent leader and member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo West, Mrs. Saratu Adelakun,

Efforts to get the reactions of the police on the incident proved abortive.