Hiiraan Online
Monday, February 27, 2017
Mogadishu (HOL) - A deadly fire broke out in Mogadishu's Bakara Market on late Sunday evening morning.
Residents of Mogadishu tell HOL that the blaze began early late Sunday evening close to 1 am, firefighters battled the flames until dawn and were finally able to put out the fire at about 5:30 am this morning.
The fire caused extensive damage to property and completely gutted three sections of the open-air market. It has been reported that two people were killed in the fire. It is not immediately clear what caused the fire.
According to the police, the fire started in the gold bazaar and quickly spread to other parts of the open-air market.
The exact cost of the damage caused by the fire is not yet known but city officials say it will likely be a seven figure loss.
Yusuf Hussein, the Mayor of Mogadishu visited the site of the fire and vowed that he would lobby for assistance from the government on behalf of the businessmen.
Bakara, the economic hub of Mogadishu has had several fires break out in its history and merchants and traders are sure to feel the impact of this latest blaze.