Bulawayo Polytechnic gutted by fire

A fire broke out at Bulawayo Polytechnic on Thursday evening, gutting the Applied Sciences block and destroying laboratory equipment, furniture, and other valuables.

The blaze is suspected to have been triggered by a spillage or improper mixture of flammable chemicals, according to early reports.

Witnesses said students trapped inside were rescued through a second-floor window with the assistance of the Bulawayo Fire Brigade, which used a ladder to bring them to safety.

The fire brigade responded swiftly and managed to contain the flames, though significant damage was reported to the building and laboratory assets.

Confirming the incident, Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo said investigations were underway to determine the exact cause of the explosion.

"I got the information from my team. It was really bad. Sixteen people inhaled smoke after an explosion," Moyo said.

"The fire involved large quantities of paraffin and wax used for making cobra. Sixteen people were conveyed to hospital by our ambulances — all had inhaled smoke."

Authorities said all the affected students were receiving medical attention and were in stable condition.