Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – A massive and destructive fire broke out in Mogadishu’s Sand Market late Sunday, leaving behind widespread devastation, numerous injuries, and reports of fatalities. The blaze, which erupted in the utensils section of Suuq Baad, quickly spread to surrounding areas, fueled by flammable goods and tightly packed stalls.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and heart-wrenching. “The fire engulfed the entire utensils section. It was either completely destroyed or nearly so,” said one bystander involved in the rescue efforts. Smoke and flames billowed through the market for hours, despite the ongoing efforts of firefighters and local volunteers.
Among the most tragic accounts was that of a distraught father who said he had no knowledge of whether his young daughter had survived. She is believed to be among the victims of the inferno. Emergency responders are continuing search and rescue operations in the hope of locating survivors or recovering victims.
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown at this time. Authorities have launched an investigation, but initial reports suggest that the dense layout and limited fire safety infrastructure of the market contributed to the fire’s rapid spread.
The Sand Market, one of the largest and busiest commercial hubs in Mogadishu, has suffered similar incidents in the past. Over the last three decades, it has been the site of multiple fires, resulting in cumulative losses amounting to millions of dollars.
As of now, the number of shops destroyed and the total value of lost property have not been officially confirmed. However, the damage is expected to be significant. Firefighters, security forces, and emergency personnel remain on the scene to contain the blaze and ensure public safety.
The atmosphere in the area is tense, with shop owners and residents gathering near the market in shock and desperation. Many fear they have lost not only their livelihoods but also family members and neighbors in this tragic incident.