Chronicle Editor
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
A house in Pelandaba West, Bulawayo, whose occupants were illegally selling gas, had its roof ripped off today when one of the gas cylinders exploded.
A 29-year-old woman sustained burns on her body in the process.
The fire, at House Number 1238, was concentrated in the lounge of the four-roomed house.
Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer, Mr Mhlangano Moyo, said his crew arrived at the scene just after mid-morning and were met with blazing fires, with one of the gas tanks still leaking.
“They were selling gas inside the house, something which is unheard of as it puts the community at risk. The Brigade found a 2kg, 5kg, and 48kg tank, as well as a scale. A female adult, aged 29 years, sustained burns and was conveyed to the hospital by a private motor vehicle,” said Mr. Moyo.
He said upon arrival, they found a 48kg gas pipe leaking and the roof already ripped off.
“The Brigade closed the leaking gas attached to the 48kg cylinder that was still issuing gas. A high-pressure hose reel with breathing apparatus stage one was put into operation. The fire was confined to one room,” said Mr. Moyo.
He said the value of the property was ZiG250,000, and an estimated ZiG40,000 worth of property was lost, while the estimated value of property saved is ZiG210,000.
“This is gross negligence, which is not permissible. We have engaged the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) and the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) to confiscate the cylinders,” he said.
Online Reporter