FAMILIES, whose homes and possessions were destroyed in a devastating fire in Emakhandeni suburb on Saturday morning, have received emergency assistance as efforts to support survivors left homeless by the disaster intensify.
The blaze, which is suspected to have been triggered by a cellphone battery that burst in a room containing a gas cylinder, swept through part of the residential area, destroying property and livelihoods within minutes.
Although no fatalities were recorded, residents lost all their belongings as the fire rapidly spread before firefighters from the City of Bulawayo arrived.
Emakandeni-Luveve legislator Discent Bajila visited the affected families on Tuesday and provided groceries to assist survivors as they begin to rebuild their lives.
Speaking during the visit, Bajila said the tragedy left several families vulnerable and in urgent need of assistance.
“The extent of the destruction is heartbreaking. Families lost everything they owned and are now facing an uncertain future,” he said.
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“We have provided groceries as immediate relief, but much more support is needed from individuals, organisations and the wider community to help these families to recover.”
Bajila commended the Bulawayo Fire Brigade for preventing the fire from spreading further and saving a section of the compound.
“We are grateful to the City of Bulawayo Fire Brigade for its swift response,” he said.
“Their efforts prevented what could have been an even greater disaster.”
In a further tragic development, Mihla (22), the occupant of the room where the explosion reportedly occurred, is reported to have taken his life following the incident.
The incident has shocked the local community, with residents mourning the loss while also rallying behind the families affected by the fire.
Authorities are expected to continue investigations into the exact cause of the blaze, while calls have been made for increased awareness on the safe handling and storage of batteries and gas cylinders in homes.
Community leaders have appealed for donations of food, clothing, bedding and other essentials to assist the affected families as they rebuild their lives.