FIRE GUTS HOSP FLAT

THREE families from Gwanda lost property worth thousands of dollars after a flat that houses Gwanda Provincial Hospital staff members was gutted by fire due to a suspected electrical fault.

The flat’s occupants said the fire started in an apartment that was locked on the first floor on Tuesday at around 1PM and spread to other apartments.

“I was in my apartment which is at the far end when I heard people screaming saying the flat was on fire. When I came out I saw that the apartment which is at the other end was on fire. It’s a relief that the fire didn’t reach our apartments but it’s sad that my neighbour lost all their property,” said a flat occupant who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Gwanda Fire brigade lead fire fighter, Mr Danny Sibanda, said they managed to contain the fire before it could spread throughout the rest of the flat but it had destroyed property in three apartments.

“There is a fire incident which has destroyed property at a flat in Jahunda Suburb. The flat was once a TB Clinic but it had now been converted into a residential area. It’s not yet clear what caused the fire but we suspect an electric fault.

“The fire started at an apartment on the first floor but it was locked and no one was inside therefore we failed to retrieve any property from it. The fire spread to two other apartments but we were able to contain it before it could spread further and to salvage some of the property,” he said.

Mr Sibanda said no injuries or deaths were recorded as a result of the fire. He said the occupant of the apartment where the fire started was reported to have travelled when the incident occurred.

Gwanda Provincial Hospital Medical Superintendent, Dr Pugy Chimberengwa, said they had secured alternative accommodation for the affected families.

“The flat houses our members of staff and the affected people are our employees. Therefore we have secured alternative accommodation for them to use in the meantime,” he said. Chronicle

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