Millions lost as fire guts down building in Murang’a

MURANG’A, KENYA: Property worth millions of shillings went up in flames in Murang’a town Friday morning letting locals to demand efficient fire fighting engine.

The fire razed down a building with eight premises located within the Central Business area as traders watched properties worth millions of shillings reduced to ashes.

Eyewitness Peter Kamau told the standard that the fire started shortly after 5.30 am before the traders were called to open their shops to salvage some of the goods.

Kamau said they raised alarm that woke many of the residents from the adjacent buildings who joined in the rescue mission.

In unity, members of the public helped to salvage shop goods, which included mattresses, tyres  and cereals before the arrival of the police.

The residents moved in speed to control the fire which was threatening to spread to the neighbouring building where the traders were taking away their goods for safety.

It was an embarrassment for the Thika fire brigade crew to arrive at the scene two hours later despite having been alerted of the incident at 6 am.

Murang'a county police commander Ms Naomi Ichami said the cause of fire has not been established.