Malawi on fire again, Mulanje Bus Depot and Mchinji market gutted

Tens of traders in Mulanje and Mchinji districts have respectively been left destitute after a fierce fire destroyed a bus depot and market.

In Mulanje, fire has destroyed a bus depot which also accommodates some shops, police have confirmed.

Mulanje police Public Relations Officer (PRO) Gresham Ngwira told Nyasa Times the incident happened on Friday evening destroying goods worth thousands of Kwachas.

“The fire started after a generator that was in one of the shops developed a fault. Shops and other property have been damaged following the incident but no injury or loss of life has been recorded,” said Ngwira.

He said meanwhile authorities are investigating the incident, among other things, to evaluate the cost of property damaged.

“We wish therefore to advise the general public against keeping flammable products in shops, buildings and even in houses. This is uncalled for as it endangers peoples’ lives and property as is the case here.”

And in Mchinji, a market has been razed down by fire on Saturday, which according sources was emanated from Electricity Supply Corporation (Escom) power lines.

Officials are yet to comment on the issue and reveal the extent of the damage the fire has caused. Meanwhile there are no reports of casualties.

The fire incident in the two district s comes a month after another fire gutted down Lilongwe Main Market, burning billions of money in merchandise and left hundreds of vendors destitute.

The incident has forced government through Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to send three senior officials at Lilongwe City Council on suspension.