Somalia: ​Massive fire broke out at Bakara Market in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A huge fire broke out in Bakara, Mogadishu's largest market on Monday night, destroying properties in several business buildings, Garowe Online reports.

The overnight inferno started at the shoe store late overnight and winds spread it rapidly through the parts of market, razing large buildings, shops and stores, said a witness who spoke to GO via phone.

Conflicting reports are emerging about the cause of the fire which still remains unclear, however, market traders blamed an electrical fault at a small shoe store.

A huge loss of properties was reported, as result of the late-night fire, which sent plumes of smoke into the air. Firefighters battled the flames  and had eventually put out the fire before the daybreak.

The exact cost of the damage caused by the fire is not yet known.

Thabit Abdi Mohamed, the Mayor of Mogadishu visited the site of the fire and vowed that he would lobby for assistance from the government on behalf of the businessmen.

Bakara, the economic hub of Mogadishu has had several fires break out in its history and merchants and traders are sure to feel the impact of this latest blaze.

GAROWEONLINE