News / National
Property worth millions up in flames
12 Aug 2013 at 05:58hrs | Views
PROPERTY worth millions of dollars went up in flames when a fire gutted an industrial complex housing more than five companies between Lytton and Paisley Roads, Workington in Harare.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, but witnesses said it emanated from the premises of KDV a company which is in the business of manufacturing beds and mattresses.
The premises also houses Polywaste and Imperial plastics among others.
Although the fire brigade arrived quickly firemen lost vital minutes looking for the nearest hydrant valve.
"We were in the factory when we noticed a thick blanket of smoke coming out from the next room and we ran for our lives and told a security guard who called the fire brigade.
"The fire brigade arrived on time, but they had no water. If they had water they would have managed to extinguish the fire. They took time looking for the fire line until the flames became uncontrollable," said a KDV employee.
The owners of the factories who were present at the premises were not forthcoming while another was said to be on holiday in Victoria Falls.
By last night the fire brigade was still battling to control the raging flames which had destroyed two factories leaving a complex with offices which house Polywaste.
In 2009 Polywaste, was gutted by fire and raw materials valued at US$80 000 were destroyed.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, but witnesses said it emanated from the premises of KDV a company which is in the business of manufacturing beds and mattresses.
The premises also houses Polywaste and Imperial plastics among others.
Although the fire brigade arrived quickly firemen lost vital minutes looking for the nearest hydrant valve.
"We were in the factory when we noticed a thick blanket of smoke coming out from the next room and we ran for our lives and told a security guard who called the fire brigade.
"The fire brigade arrived on time, but they had no water. If they had water they would have managed to extinguish the fire. They took time looking for the fire line until the flames became uncontrollable," said a KDV employee.
The owners of the factories who were present at the premises were not forthcoming while another was said to be on holiday in Victoria Falls.
By last night the fire brigade was still battling to control the raging flames which had destroyed two factories leaving a complex with offices which house Polywaste.
In 2009 Polywaste, was gutted by fire and raw materials valued at US$80 000 were destroyed.
Source - Herald
