Bulawayo Polytechnic engulfed by fire

Michelle Musandinyoze

Fire engulfed the Applied Sciences block at Bulawayo Polytechnic on Thursday evening, destroying equipment and various valuables.

The cause of the fire is suspected to have been a wrong mixture or spilt chemicals which were flammable.

Witnesses said that the students who were rescued, escaped through the second floor window where the Bulawayo Fire Brigade used a ladder to facilitate the process.

The fire brigade acted swiftly and managed to put out the fire which left furniture and equipment destroyed.

Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer, Mr Mhlangano Moyo, confirmed the incident and said his department was still investigating the cause of the explosion.

“I got the information from my team. It was really bad. Sixteen people inhaled smoke after an explosion.

“The fire involved large quantities of paraffin and wax for making cobra.

16 people were conveyed to hospital by our ambulances. All inhaled smoke,” he said.