Several stalls and shops were destroyed by a large fire that broke out at Mbare Musika market in Harare Friday night, sending shoppers and locals into a panic.
Although the exact cause of the fire is still unknown, some witnesses claimed to have heard a huge explosion before the flames appeared.
The shortage of water and the crowded nature of the market made it difficult for the fire crew to put out the fire when they arrived on the scene.
The fire was eventually extinguished, but not before it had destroyed a sizable portion of the market, which is home to hundreds of unregistered vendors who sell goods like fruits, vegetables, clothing, electronics, and other items. Others lost all they had invested in, while some dealers were able to rescue some of their goods.
The @PoliceZimbabwe arrived on time to stop the looting that had just started at the scene, the crowd has been dispersed, but the fire brigade are still trying to contain the fire… pic.twitter.com/6Ljolw9pm9
— Mbilez24 (@mbilez24zw) July 22, 2023
Some unruly elements tried to exploit the chaotic situation and loot traders’ goods. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) had to intervene to stop the looters and disperse the crowds, Mbiles24 reported.
The Mbare Musika market is one of Harare’s oldest and largest markets, serving thousands of customers from different parts of the city and beyond.
It has also been prone to fires, with the most recent one occurring in July 2019, when a gas tank explosion caused a similar inferno that razed down a complex at the market.
Social Media users reacted to the fire at Mbare Musika.
Docteurchan:
“Sad under the so-called EDiotic second republic, fire brigades don’t work, and water is scarce.”
Olie:
“Ino haisi nguva yekurara kunge wakafa because matsviro akuita zvinhu manheru unotsvira mumba.”
Tina:
“Zvakutotyisa izvi. Kana gumeze rikanyanyodziya unogona kutojamba uchiti wakutsva.
Cuthbert:
“Ummmm SA ne Zim ngazvireurure ummmm.”
![Mbare Musika Burns in a Fiery Catastrophe [Image: Mbilez24/Twitter]](https://i0.wp.com/hararelive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Mbilez24zw-Twitter-1.jpg?resize=708%2C413&ssl=1)
