Fire guts CBD buildings in Bulawayo

Three buildings in Bulawayo's central business district were partially gutted by fire on Tuesday, triggering a major emergency response as firefighters battled to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring properties.

The fire broke out along Lobengula Street and quickly engulfed several business premises, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air and drawing large crowds of onlookers.

Multiple teams from the Bulawayo Fire Brigade, supported by six fire engines, were dispatched to the scene to tackle the inferno.

Among the affected properties were a popular supermarket, a Chinese-owned retail shop and a butchery, all of which sustained significant damage.

The blaze caused widespread disruption in the city centre, with business activities temporarily grinding to a halt as emergency personnel secured the area and firefighters worked to bring the flames under control.

Hundreds of people gathered near the scene, prompting authorities to urge members of the public to keep a safe distance to allow emergency services to carry out their work.

Two ambulances were placed on standby at the site to provide medical assistance should any injuries be reported.

Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer Mr Mhlangano Moyo was on the ground overseeing operations and coordinating emergency teams throughout the firefighting effort.

Authorities had not yet established the cause of the fire by the time of reporting, and no official information was immediately available regarding injuries or the estimated value of property lost.

Investigations are expected to commence once the scene has been declared safe and firefighters have fully extinguished the blaze.

The incident is one of the most significant commercial fires recorded in Bulawayo's city centre in recent months and has renewed concerns about fire safety measures in densely occupied business premises.

Further details are expected to be released once emergency services complete their assessment of the damage.