By Omar Bah
Today, March 16, a fire broke out at the Latrikunda Sabiji Market, resulting in significant damage. The blaze reportedly began around midnight in a private dwelling near the market and rapidly spread, destroying several canteens. Although vendors and business owners have sustained considerable losses, there were no reported injuries or fatalities.
This incident adds to the unfortunate history of fire disasters at Latrikunda Sabiji Market, which has experienced similar tragedies, including incidents in 2007 and 2016 that ravaged shops and disrupted livelihoods. The cause of the latest fire is currently under investigation.
About the incident, KMC Mayor Talib Bensouda stated that the fire originated from a private dwelling near the back entrance of the Latrikunda Sabiji primary market. “The private dwelling is occupied by tenants who utilize the space as a Sandika. When the fire broke out, the KM police contacted the fire service; however, by the time they arrived, community youths had already begun battling the flames.”
Talib noted that the fire service deployed two vehicles, but the blaze managed to destroy nine canteens despite their efforts. “The cause of the fire has been determined to be a power surge or electrical spark from a wire connected to a cosmetic shop containing flammable oils. Two milling machines connected to the same electrical source were adjacent to the shop.”
Mayor Bensouda expressed the council’s heartfelt sympathy to the affected shop owners and urged all vendors to maintain their electrical wiring. “The market management will review all nearby connections in the coming days. We want to thank the fire service for their diligent work and the community for their selfless efforts.”
