Residents of New Lobengula in Bulawayo were shaken by a destructive fire that erupted in their community, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by candle use during frequent electricity outages.
The blaze, which broke out late yesterday, lit up the night sky with thick smoke and flames, causing panic among nearby families. Neighbors quickly alerted one another and came together to help those in danger, demonstrating a strong sense of community in the face of crisis.
At the center of the incident was a teenager, known as “Sbu,” who lived in the affected house. Eyewitnesses reported that he appeared intoxicated, which may have hindered his ability to react quickly to the fire. Fortunately, a brave neighbor managed to rescue him just in time, pulling him out of the flames. Sbu was later taken to Mpilo Central Hospital, fearing smoke inhalation, highlighting the risks of intoxication in emergencies.
Investigators from the Bulawayo Fire Brigade responded swiftly to the scene, suspecting that the fire may have been caused by an unattended candle, a common hazard in the area due to ongoing power outages. As the investigation continues, authorities are urging residents to adopt safer lighting practices.
“This serves as a wake-up call,” said a fire brigade spokesperson. “We urge everyone to exercise caution when using candles or open flames to minimize fire risks.”
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While the family whose home was destroyed faces an uncertain future, neighbors came together to offer support, providing essential items and temporary shelter. This incident has also sparked efforts from local authorities and fire safety advocates to raise awareness about fire safety, especially concerning the use of candles and overall household safety during load shedding.