Gambiaj.com – (BAKOTEH, The Gambia) – A devastating fire tore through the Bakoteh mechanic garages in the early hours of Tuesday, destroying at least 14 vehicles and leaving mechanics and apprentices facing significant losses as police investigate the cause of the blaze.
The fire reportedly broke out at around 4:00 a.m., spreading rapidly through the garage complex before emergency responders succeeded in bringing it under control. Three fire service vehicles were deployed to the scene to contain the inferno and prevent it from spreading further.
Extensive Damage, Losses Yet to Be Counted
The scale of the destruction has made it difficult to determine the total financial cost of the incident. According to the garage owner, Momodou Sowe, it is still too early to estimate the losses because the vehicles destroyed varied considerably in value.
Beyond the vehicles, the fire also damaged property belonging to mechanics and apprentices, dealing a severe blow to those who depend on the garages for their livelihoods.
Although no injuries or fatalities were reported, the impact on workers has been profound. One of the affected mechanics said several apprentices lost all of their personal belongings, including their clothes, leaving them with nothing but the clothes they were wearing when they escaped the fire.
Cause Still Unknown
The cause of the fire remains unknown. Police have opened an investigation to establish what sparked the blaze, while fire officials continue to assess the extent of the damage. Authorities have not yet indicated whether foul play or an electrical fault is suspected.
With many mechanics now unable to continue their work, Sowe has appealed for assistance from government institutions, humanitarian organizations, businesses, and other stakeholders to help those affected rebuild their lives and restore their means of earning a living.
The fire is one of the most destructive incidents to hit the Bakoteh mechanic garages in recent years, leaving dozens of workers facing an uncertain path to recovery as investigators work to determine what caused the devastating blaze.
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