Residents and traders in areas of Miami in Likoni, Mombasa, are counting heavy losses after a fire broke out this morning, destroying a 10-roomed house that contained 8 rental rooms and three shops.
According to Josephine Kathuri, one of the victims who owned a cosmetic shop, the fire started at around 7:30 a.m.
Kathuri said the flames could have been contained had there been a faster response from fire fighters.
“I was in my shop around 7:30am. when I heard a loud sound from the room behind my shop before smoke filled the air. I had to run out, leaving everything behind. I’ve lost my blow-dry machines, driers, and many other items worth over ksh.50,000. If county fire fighters had acted quickly, the fire could have been managed, ” kathuri said
According to an eyewitness, the fire had significantly reduced when the fire fighting crew arrived.
However, by then, the whole house containing had been destroyed along with the property belonging to the affected tenants.
In the aftermath, a group of youth took advantage of the situation to loot whatever item remained unburnt. Others carefully removed and took away damaged properties and iron sheets.
Mohammed Nyembwe, a staff member from the office of the area MP who was also among the first responders, condemned the acts of looting that has been happening during fire tragedies.
Nyembwe urged the youths to always stand in solidarity with affected families instead of looting from them.
“It is deeply disappointing that while others come to help, a section of youths choose to loot and steal, forgetting that such were a heartbreaking moment.
Let this be a reminder: before you act, think. Consider the consequences of your actions. Ask yourself, will this heal or harm? Will it uplift or destroy?” Nyembwe lamented bitterly.
This incident came less than a week after two other major fire incidents were reported in Buffalo and Shikaadabu areas.
In Timbwani’s Buffalo area, two children lost their lives, and in Shikaadabu, a mother narrowly rescued her two young children from their two-bedroom burning house.
In today’s incident, one of the traders who ran a tuktuk spare parts shop said she had lost properties worth over ksh.5 million.
Maureen Akoth Ogalo said she was not present at the shop during the morning incident.
Akoth said she learnt of the incident from a friend through a phone call, and when she arrived, she found her shop had completely been razed down.
“Fire outbreak reported at Miami near Mzungu tiles area, A residential /commercial house involved.two lines of hose,one from f6 and navy fire brigade used,fire out no casualties” Mombasa county fire department stated.
Preliminary accounts from the area suggested a possible gas-related incident, though authorities are yet to confirm the cause.Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
Today’s incident now brings the total number of families spending their nights in the cold to 20 following fire incidents in the area.