Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, Zimpapers Reporter
STUDENTS who rented rooms on the first floor of a two-storey building in Bulawayo’s central business district were among those caught up in a fire that completely destroyed the property on Wednesday afternoon.
The blaze broke out at about 1.15PM at the building along Leopold Takawira Avenue between George Silundika Street and Fife Street.
Bulawayo Fire Brigade chief fire officer Mr Mhlangano Moyo confirmed that no deaths were recorded, although one person was taken to hospital after suffering from smoke inhalation.
The building housed students on the first floor, while several businesses operated on the ground floor, including a bar, restaurant, pharmacy and a company offering bookings for outdoor activities, safaris and recreational excursions around the Matobo National Park and other destinations.
Mr Moyo said firefighters found several gas cylinders which they believed were being used by students living on the first floor.
“We observed several gas cylinders that we believe were being used by students who rented rooms on the first floor, although our investigations are yet to determine the cause of the fire. We will know the definite cause of the fire by tomorrow (Thursday),” he said.
In a dramatic rescue, members of the public joined forces to help a woman who was forced to jump from the first floor as she tried to escape the flames.
One of the rescuers said the woman had little choice but to jump as the fire spread through the building.
The group managed to catch her as she fell, helping to break her fall.
Mr Moyo said one person had been taken to hospital for smoke inhalation.
The fire left the building extensively damaged, with the full extent of losses yet to be established.
Investigations into the cause of the blaze were continuing.
