PROPERTY worth thousands of dollars was yesterday destroyed when a building housing the People’s Own Savings Bank (POSB) and post office in Masvingo caught fire due to a suspected electrical fault, it has been reported.
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According to state media ,scores of people who were queuing for money took to their heels as thick smoke billowed from the building.
Police evacuated people from the building in a frenetic two hours, as the Fire Brigade battled to extinguish the fire.
Sources said the fire originated from one of the offices on the second floor but a swift reaction by the Fire Brigade from Masvingo City Council saved the POSB as they contained it before it could spread to other offices.
Masvingo police spokesperson Inspector Charity Mazula said the incident occurred at the main post office at around 11 AM yesterday but said she was yet to get full details on what transpired.
“There is a report of a fire which broke out at a building housing POSB, Tel One and other tenants but I am yet to get the full details on what transpired and the cost of property destroyed. Police have gone to the scene as I speak,” said Insp Mazula. When The Chronicle visited the scene, thick smoke was still coming out of the building’s second floor while the fire brigade was battling with the inferno.
Inside the offices, there were smoke-stained walls, burnt papers, wooden partitions and some furniture items. However, apart from three offices which comprised TAN Chartered Accountants, Leviticus Investment Private limited and part of ZINARA which had some furniture, there was no extensive damage.
A witness, who is a general hand at the building, said the fire started from a wall socket at Tan Chartered Accountants office. The witness said workers screamed for help as they fled from the exploding socket, which showered the room with sparks.
“The incident occurred around 11 AM when I saw smoke coming from one of the offices on the second floor while I was cleaning downstairs. I panicked and in a few moments I saw workers fleeing from their offices,” said the witness. Masvingo Mayor Councillor Hubert Fidze praised the Fire Brigade and the police for saving the day.
“The swift reaction of our fire brigade personnel saved the day. We could have suffered a lot of damage especially to the POSB which has customers’ monies. We also want to thank the police for ensuring that people remained safe by controlling the public and helping in the evacuation of those in the offices,” said Clr Fidze.
