Online Reporter
Zimpapers Writers
THE full scale of destruction left by the devastating fuel inferno that tore through premises along Goderich Avenue in Bulawayo on Monday night emerged yesterday, revealing a scorched landscape of twisted metal, gutted vehicles and an animal casualty.
The blaze, which broke out at around 10.30PM at fuel-related premises opposite DA Garage, destroyed at least 12 vehicles, including fuel tankers, trucks and commuter transport, before spreading into a neighbouring property as firefighters battled for more than three hours to bring it under control.
By the time the flames were subdued, two large fuel tankers, two medium tankers, five mini tankers and a Toyota Hiace had been completely destroyed, turning the fuel depot yard into a graveyard of burnt-out wreckage.
In a statement yesterday, Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said the damage worsened after the fire spilled into an adjacent yard.
“The fire spread into a neighbouring property where three large trucks, a bus and two small cars were also destroyed,” she said.
The inferno also claimed an animal victim.
“A German shepherd dog was found lying on the ground struggling to move after sustaining burn injuries during the fire,” said Insp Msebele.
Police said the blaze is suspected to have been caused by an illegal electricity connection at a fuel garage along Goderich Avenue.
“No human injuries were recorded, but the damage caused is extensive. The affected premises have been placed under police guard and investigations are ongoing,” she said, adding that the value of property destroyed is yet to be established.
Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer Mr Mhlangano Moyo said preliminary investigations indicate the fire may have started during fuel decanting operations, where illegal electrical connections ignited fuel vapours.
“The fire appears to have passed from the decanting machine and ignited fuel vapours. When we arrived, the fire was already intense and, while we were on the ground, there was an explosion,” said Mr Moyo.
He revealed that a delay in reporting the incident allowed the fire to spread rapidly, while firefighters also faced challenges evacuating people from the danger zone due to lack of co-operation from some members of the public.
When the fire broke out in Donnington, scores of residents rushed to the scene — some in pyjamas, others carrying blankets — eager to witness the inferno.
Mr Moyo said such behaviour was reckless and dangerous, particularly at fuel-related incidents where secondary explosions are common.
“People were getting too close and obstructing emergency operations. We urge the public to stay clear of accident scenes, especially fuel fires, as secondary explosions can result in serious injury or death,” he said. “Sadly, when tankers overturn without catching fire, some people are tempted to siphon fuel. This is extremely risky behaviour and often ends tragically.”
Fuel-related fires have increasingly been linked to illegal electrical connections, unsafe fuel handling and non-compliance with safety regulations, particularly at informal or improperly regulated depots. Emergency services have repeatedly warned that fuel vapours are highly volatile and can ignite even from minor electrical sparks.
In 2022, at least 10 people were killed and more than 40 injured when a fuel tanker transporting gas exploded in Johannesburg, South Africa, destroying nearby homes, damaging a hospital and affecting a retirement home — a stark reminder of the dangers posed by fuel fires.
Yesterday, police cordoned off the Godrich Road area due to ongoing hazards, while the fire brigade remained on site awaiting forensic assessments. The premises remain under police guard.
The explosion sent shockwaves through nearby suburbs, including Tshabalala, Nketa and Bellevue, with residents reporting loud blasts and ground tremors.
Ward 24 councillor Tavengwe Zidya said confusion initially spread after social media messages suggested an explosion had occurred at a nearby school.
“I immediately contacted the Famona Fire Brigade and they confirmed the incident was opposite DA Garage. Residents reported feeling the ground shake, although no household property was damaged,” he said.
The matter was reported at Tshabalala Police Station, where officers attended the scene and recorded extensive damage.
Meanwhile, Ward 5 councillor Dumisani Nkomo warned that illegal electrical connections pose a serious threat to public safety, urging authorities to intensify enforcement.
