Online Reporter
Solomon Bhumu, Mutare Bureau
A fire broke out yesterday at Brooms Garage in the Riverside area of Mutare, reducing at least 30 vehicles, valued at several thousands of US dollars, to charred shells.
The garage, which specialises in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, was engulfed in flames after Mutare City Council workers, who reportedly started the fire during a clean-up exercise, failed to control the fire.
The devastating inferno has left owner Mr Anesu Akim reeling from a massive loss. Overwhelmed and visibly shaken, Mr Akim was unable to grant an immediate interview as he struggled to come to terms with the extent of the damage.
One of the workers at the garage, Mr Nomore Simango said they made every effort to put out the fire but failed.
The City of Mutare Fire Brigade responded but by the time they arrived, most of the vehicles were already in flames.
“We tried everything to douse the fire and prevent it from spreading to the garage, but our efforts were in vain.
“We were overwhelmed by the fire, and in the end, we watched helplessly as it spread to the garage. This is really sad, and we never imagined this,” said Mr Simango.
A vendor at a nearby market, Ms Chipo Gondo, who witnessed the incident, said the fire began when two municipal employees burnt a pile of litter, which quickly spread out of control.
“They ignored the warning we gave them, and moments later, the flames spread rapidly towards the garage, leading to the disaster. This could have been avoided had they taken heed of our advice,” she said.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, one of the council workers involved in the clean-up exercise said they had been assigned to clear the area. He said his colleague lit the fire and fled the scene upon realising it had spread to the garage.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the fire outbreak, which destroyed the cars at the garage and said investigations were in progress.
“We can confirm the fire incident, which led to the destruction of the vehicles, and investigations to establish what really transpired are still in progress. “We also warn the public against starting fires when they have no capacity to control the fires,” he said.
Mutare City town clerk, Mr Blessing Chafesuka also confirmed the incident but said he was not on the ground as he was attending to other official duties.
He, however, said the local authority had launched an internal investigation and a formal statement detailing the circumstances will be issued.
derick.khumalo