Fire guts Buseko market, destroys goods worth millions; two arrested

A devastating fire has destroyed several trading premises at Buseko Market along Lumumba Road in Lusaka’s Matero township, leaving traders counting heavy losses and prompting a multi-agency emergency response.

The blaze, believed to have started between 21:30 and 22:30 hours on Sunday, reportedly broke out in a shop located on the eastern side of the market, in an open section where wooden poles and planks were sold, before rapidly spreading to adjoining shops.

According to Zambia Police Service Public Relations Officer, Godfrey Chilabi, preliminary investigations suggest that an unattended charcoal brazier may have sparked the fire.

“However, investigations are ongoing to establish the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the incident,” Chilabi said.

The inferno destroyed planks, merchandise and other goods belonging to several traders, although the total value of the losses has not yet been established because some affected traders were still assessing the damage.

Firefighters from the Lusaka City Council Fire Brigade, with support from the Zambia National Service (ZNS), the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) and TAZAMA, eventually brought the blaze under control after a coordinated operation.

Meanwhile, defence and security personnel have been deployed to the market to secure the affected area and prevent looting and other criminal activities following the disaster.

In the aftermath of the fire, police arrested two teenagers, aged 18 and 17, who were allegedly found removing three Bonanza gaming machines from one of the affected shops.

The gaming machines were recovered and the suspects are assisting police with investigations.

Chilabi urged traders, particularly those operating in markets where charcoal braziers and other open flames are commonly used, to ensure all sources of fire are completely extinguished before leaving their premises.

An inquiry file has been opened as investigations continue into the cause of the fire, the extent of the damage and the alleged theft.

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