News / National
Students escape as fire destroys Bulawayo CBD building
2 hrs ago |
47 Views
STUDENTS living in rooms on the first floor of a two-storey building in Bulawayo's central business district were forced to flee for their lives on Wednesday afternoon after a fire broke out and completely destroyed the property.
The blaze erupted at about 1.15PM at the building along Leopard Takawira Avenue, between George Silundika Street and Fife Street, sending thick smoke into the surrounding area and triggering a major response from the Bulawayo Fire Brigade.
No deaths were reported, although one person was taken to hospital after reportedly suffering from smoke inhalation.
The building housed students on the first floor, while several businesses operated from the ground floor, including a bar, restaurant, pharmacy and a company specialising in bookings for outdoor activities, safaris and recreational excursions around the Matobo National Park and other destinations.
Bulawayo Fire Brigade chief fire officer Mhlangano Moyo said firefighters discovered several gas cylinders inside the building, although investigations were still under way to establish whether they played any role in the fire.
"We observed several gas cylinders that we believe were being used by students who rented rooms on the first floor, although our investigations are yet to determine the cause of the fire. We will know the definite cause of the fire by tomorrow (Thursday)," he said.
In a dramatic rescue, members of the public rallied together to save a woman who was forced to jump from the first floor as flames spread through the building.
One of the rescuers said the woman had little choice but to jump as the fire intensified, with members of the public positioning themselves below to break her fall.
Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours as they worked to prevent it from spreading to neighbouring properties.
The incident comes amid growing concern over fire safety in densely populated buildings, particularly those accommodating students and other residents alongside commercial businesses.
The extent of the financial losses caused by the fire was still being assessed, while investigations into the cause of the blaze were continuing.
The blaze erupted at about 1.15PM at the building along Leopard Takawira Avenue, between George Silundika Street and Fife Street, sending thick smoke into the surrounding area and triggering a major response from the Bulawayo Fire Brigade.
No deaths were reported, although one person was taken to hospital after reportedly suffering from smoke inhalation.
The building housed students on the first floor, while several businesses operated from the ground floor, including a bar, restaurant, pharmacy and a company specialising in bookings for outdoor activities, safaris and recreational excursions around the Matobo National Park and other destinations.
Bulawayo Fire Brigade chief fire officer Mhlangano Moyo said firefighters discovered several gas cylinders inside the building, although investigations were still under way to establish whether they played any role in the fire.
"We observed several gas cylinders that we believe were being used by students who rented rooms on the first floor, although our investigations are yet to determine the cause of the fire. We will know the definite cause of the fire by tomorrow (Thursday)," he said.
In a dramatic rescue, members of the public rallied together to save a woman who was forced to jump from the first floor as flames spread through the building.
One of the rescuers said the woman had little choice but to jump as the fire intensified, with members of the public positioning themselves below to break her fall.
Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours as they worked to prevent it from spreading to neighbouring properties.
The incident comes amid growing concern over fire safety in densely populated buildings, particularly those accommodating students and other residents alongside commercial businesses.
The extent of the financial losses caused by the fire was still being assessed, while investigations into the cause of the blaze were continuing.
Source - The Chronicle
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
