Rwanda: No Fatalities Reported in Musanze Market Fire, Officials Say
[New Times] Authorities in Musanze District said that no fatalities were recorded after a fire gutted GOICO Plaza, the main market in the city, causing extensive damage on Saturday, October 10.
Musanze District in Rwanda reported that a fire at GOICO Plaza, the main market, did not result in any fatalities, according to local authorities. The blaze started around 4:00 PM on Saturday, October 10, on the rooftop, swiftly spreading to the second floor and affecting all floors by 6 PM. Firefighters worked tirelessly for hours to control the inferno, which led to extensive damage to the five-storey building.
It was reported that about 2,000 traders were working in the premises at the time of the incident. Mayor Claudien Nsengimana expressed gratitude that no lives were lost and stated that the financial value of the damage is still being determined. Efforts to fully contain the fire and secure the scene are ongoing, preventing any access to salvage goods or inspect the extent of the damage.
Local traders, particularly those affected, have called for an investigation into the cause of the fire and better firefighting resources, considering Musanze's rapid urban development. Additionally, they requested tax relief and financial support due to the loss of their businesses. The fire left the upper levels of the multi-story complex severely damaged, with only the ground floor largely intact.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
