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Inferno destroys 30 vehicles at Mutare's Brooms garage
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A raging fire broke out at Brooms Garage in Mutare's Riverside area earlier today, reducing at least 30 vehicles - worth several thousand dollars - to burnt shells.
The garage, known for specialising in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, was engulfed in flames after a fire reportedly started during a routine litter-clearing exercise by Mutare City Council workers.
The blaze left the garage's owner, Mr Anesu Akim, devastated. Visibly shaken, he was unable to grant an immediate interview as he struggled to come to terms with the massive loss. It was not immediately clear whether the garage or the damaged vehicles were insured.
Garage worker Mr Nomore Simnago said they fought desperately to contain the fire but were overwhelmed.
"We tried everything to douse the fire and prevent it from spreading to the garage, but our efforts were in vain. We were overpowered by the fire, and in the end, we watched helplessly as it inflicted damage on the property. This is really sad, and we never imagined this," he said.
The City of Mutare Fire Brigade responded swiftly, but by the time firefighters arrived, dozens of vehicles had already been destroyed.
Eyewitnesses accused municipal workers of negligence. Ms Chipo Gondo, a nearby vendor, said she and others warned the workers not to ignite the litter fire due to dry grass in the area.
"They ignored the warning we gave them, and moments later, the flames spread rapidly towards the garage, leading to the disaster. This could have been avoided had they taken heed of our advice," she said.
A council worker involved in the cleanup, who spoke on condition of anonymity, admitted they had been tasked with clearing the area. He claimed his colleague lit the fire and fled the scene after it spread to the garage.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident, which has raised questions about safety procedures during municipal cleanups.
The garage, known for specialising in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, was engulfed in flames after a fire reportedly started during a routine litter-clearing exercise by Mutare City Council workers.
The blaze left the garage's owner, Mr Anesu Akim, devastated. Visibly shaken, he was unable to grant an immediate interview as he struggled to come to terms with the massive loss. It was not immediately clear whether the garage or the damaged vehicles were insured.
Garage worker Mr Nomore Simnago said they fought desperately to contain the fire but were overwhelmed.
"We tried everything to douse the fire and prevent it from spreading to the garage, but our efforts were in vain. We were overpowered by the fire, and in the end, we watched helplessly as it inflicted damage on the property. This is really sad, and we never imagined this," he said.
The City of Mutare Fire Brigade responded swiftly, but by the time firefighters arrived, dozens of vehicles had already been destroyed.
Eyewitnesses accused municipal workers of negligence. Ms Chipo Gondo, a nearby vendor, said she and others warned the workers not to ignite the litter fire due to dry grass in the area.
"They ignored the warning we gave them, and moments later, the flames spread rapidly towards the garage, leading to the disaster. This could have been avoided had they taken heed of our advice," she said.
A council worker involved in the cleanup, who spoke on condition of anonymity, admitted they had been tasked with clearing the area. He claimed his colleague lit the fire and fled the scene after it spread to the garage.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident, which has raised questions about safety procedures during municipal cleanups.
Source - Manica Post
