Fire kills 1, destroys 141 shops in the Ethiopian capital
By Tesfa-alem Tekle
February 9, 2009 (ADDIS ABABA) – A fire that broke out in the Ethiopian capital, at a commercial center near the main bus station killed one person and completely destroyed a commercial center late on Friday, town fire brigade and emergency service said.
“A fire broke out at around 03:00 pm (local time) at a commercial area locally known as Menaharia market center on Friday night claimed the life of one person and burned down 141 shops” office’s public relations representative Kebede Legese said
“The fire has destroyed property that worth nearly 17 million Birr (some 1.6 min. USD),” Kebede added.
According to the official, their office received the first emergency call very late almost 7 hours after the fire broke out.
Eyewitness told Sudan Tribune that shortage of water supply from nearby, the area not being a very residential area and the time of accident being at the time people sleep has worsen for the spread of the fire.
A rescue team of 71 fire tenders that arrived late at around 3:45 pm has finally taken control of the fire after a long battle. It was learnt
Kebede said the rescue operation has saved some 20 million birr worth property which was about to set on fire.
“Exact cause of the fire is not known” Addis Ababa police said adding “the incident is under investigation”
Negligence to hold emergency numbers to their list is common almost to all Ethiopians which results on such major disasters or loss of life.
(ST)