ARUSHA, Tanzania, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- A fire of unknown origins raced through the largest outdoor market in south-western Tanzania's city of Mbeya, destroying the livelihood of its many vendors.
Merchandises worth millions of shillings, the Tanzanian currency, have gone up in flames.
The market which is popularly known as 'Sido market' is located nearly five kilometres from Mbeya City centre and 25km from Songwe International Airport.
Images on social media outlets show how the Tuesday night fire was devastating. The fire began at around 10 pm (local time) and was barely extinguished by Wednesday morning.
Eyewitnesses said the cause of the fire is yet to be known, blaming poor road infrastructures, which hindered fire rescue team to extinguish the fire on time.
Built six years ago, the market with nearly 4,000 kiosks was popular for selling a wide-range of goods from clothes to electronic gadgets in wholesales and retails.
William Ntinika, Mbeya District Commissioner said that the market was a business hub as it involves traders from across the region and neighbouring countries like Zambia and Malawi.
"This fire is a big blow to traders and the government at large. Many traders have been depending on doing business at this market to run their families....this accident has shuttered their dreams," the official said.
Reacting to the catastrophe, Mbeya Regional Commissioner, Amos Makalla blamed arsonists and economic saboteurs who will be found out, he warned, wherever they are hiding.
Makalla said the loss caused by a fire which gutted Sido Market in Mwanjelwa area is immense.
Mohammed Mpinga, Mbeya Regional Police Commander said that no one has been arrested in connection with the fire. Police, according to Mpinga, has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire which has affected more than 3,000 vendors.
He, however, said no death was reported in the accident, which left traders in tears.
This is the second time for the market to go up in flames after the first one occurred in 2011.
