The incident, which occurred on Monday morning, engulfed a furniture store, a gas cylinder shop, and part of a nearby motel, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
EKO HOT BLOG learned that tensions flared when frustrated youths, angered by the delayed arrival of the fire service, turned hostile toward emergency responders.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire erupted suddenly, prompting frantic calls to the fire service. However, it reportedly took over 30 minutes for firefighters to reach the scene. Upon their arrival, angry youths began throwing stones at the firefighters and chanting “ba mu so” (we don’t want you).
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The escalating hostility forced the fire service driver to flee to a nearby location, Ostrich Bakery, for safety. Efforts by community elders to pacify the angry crowd were unsuccessful, ultimately compelling the firefighters to retreat to their base.
Left to fend for themselves, residents struggled to combat the spreading flames with inadequate resources. Although a water tanker from a nearby construction company later arrived to assist, the absence of a long hose rendered their efforts largely ineffective. The fire continued to spread, causing further destruction to nearby businesses and properties.
One eyewitness lamented the chaotic response, urging the public to exercise patience during emergencies.
“The aggressive actions of the youths only compounded the problem, resulting in more devastating losses for shop owners and business operators,” the witness said. “Even if the fire service was delayed, their intervention was crucial. We need to cooperate and support one another during crises rather than letting emotions take over.”
The fire has left the affected traders and property owners grappling with significant losses, while the incident highlights the challenges of emergency response and public cooperation in disaster situations.
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