At least four shops have been reduced to ashes at the Mile 17 Motor Park, Buea, following a devastating fire that broke out in the early hours of this Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
According to an eyewitnesses, the fire began around 1 am, sweeping through the shops before neighbours and passersby joined in an effort to bring the blaze under control.
By 3 am, their collective actions managed to contain the flames, but not before significant damage had been inflicted.
“The fire started from Shed 9 going through to Shed 12. When we saw the heavy smoke in Shed 9 around 1 am, we tried breaking into the other sheds to prevent further losses, but to no avail.
“We even tried quenching the fire, but it was impossible. It was only around 3am that our efforts yielded fruits and we managed to control the flames. It had already consumed those four sheds,” Thomas, a witness, told MMI.
Huge Financial Losses
Preliminary estimates suggest that material losses from the incident amount to hundreds of millions of francs CFA.
The affected shops were said to contain valuable goods, including electronics, clothing, and food supplies, all of which were destroyed in the blaze.
The incident has left shop owners and the community in shock, as many individuals rely on these small businesses for their livelihoods.
Although no injuries were reported, the financial impact is expected to be significant, particularly for local merchants who were directly affected.
“I am finished. I just restocked my shop on Saturday. I have not even made any major sales yet. This is a heavy financial blow to me and my family,” lamented the owner of shed 9.
While the cause of the fire remains unknown, authorities are expected to launch an investigation to determine its origins and assess preventive measures.
In the meantime, community members are rallying to support those affected, as many shop owners now face the daunting task of rebuilding from scratch.
Since the Mile 17 Motor Park area is a focal point for commercial activity in Buea, today’s tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability that local businesses face in the absence of adequate fire safety measures.
As the investigation unfolds, local leaders and residents alike are calling for greater awareness and preparedness to safeguard against future incidents.
