PHOTOS: Eyewitnesses explain cause of fire outbreak at Kimironko workshops
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
A view of a massive fire that engulfed numerous workshops in Zindiro early morning on July 11. PHOTO BY FRANCIS KATABARWA

Eyewitnesses have provided accounts suggesting that an electric short circuit was the cause of a massive fire that engulfed numerous workshops in Zindiro, Kimironko sector, Gasabo District in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

ALSO READ: Fire safety: RURA bids to enforce electrical installation standards

The fire started at approximately 2:45 am in a woodshop owned by a one Celestin, according to Emmanuel Harerimana, a security guard working in the vicinity.

"We heard an explosion emanating from Celestin&039;s workshop at around 2:45 am. We hurried to the scene and discovered that it was ablaze. Our suspicion is that an electric short circuit triggered the fire," he said.

The fire rapidly spread, consuming multiple woodshops before reaching a nearby cooking gas store, leading to significant explosions and intensifying the inferno.

Theodore Murwanashyaka, a casual worker in the woodshops, also supports the theory of an electric short circuit as the cause of the fire. He based his assertion on information relayed by the on-site security guards.

ALSO READ: Approx Rwf4b losses incurred as fire guts Gisozi workshops

Rwanda National Police&039;s fire-fighting department arrived at the scene a few minutes after 3 am. When The New Times arrived at the area, the fire had already been extinguished, but the extent of the damage was extensive.

Devastated Zindiro workshops after massive fire engulfed numerous workshops in the early hours of Tuesday morning, July 11. All photos by Christianne Murengerantwari
Massive fire engulfed numerous workshops in Zindiro, Kimironko sector, Gasabo District in the early hours of Tuesday morning. All photos by Christianne Murengerantwari
Photo by Christianne Murengerantwari
Fire gutted a popular business centre, known as Agakiriro ka Zindiro, in Kimironko in the early hours of Tuesday
Almost all shops were totally destroyed.
Rwanda National Police's fire-fighting department arrived at the scene
Eyewitnesses have provided accounts suggesting that an electric short circuit was the cause of a massive fire