IVAYINERUDO MAGARAZANO
CHIKOMBEDZI-In an incident that has plunged the rural community of Chikombedzi into mourning, three people died following a gas explosion that happened on Saturday at the business centre, The Midweek Watch has learnt.
Two others were seriously injured and are recovering in hospital, Chiredzi South Ward 11 Councillor Urombo Makolo confirmed the sad incident.
The unfortunate incident happened at Chikombedzi Business Centre where gas was leaking from the station which houses 48kg, 18kg and 19kg tanks.
It is suspected that the gas started leaking near a fire place where food is prepared for sale to three opposite tuckshops which were burnt to ashes including goods worth thousands of dollars.
The exploding fire lasted for about 30 mins where five people were injured, 2 men and 3 women and among the women two are under 17 years. They were rushed to the Chikombedzi Hospital.
Two died on their way to Masvingo Provincial Hospital and the other one died on arrival in Harare where he was taken for treatment, Cllr Makolo told The Midweek Watch.
“It is sad to note that an unfortunate incident happened and almost robbed people of their lives after a leakage at the gas selling point which led to an explosion spreading to the fire place where women sell food and also destroyed 3 tuckshops,” said Cllr Makolo
He encouraged operators to have proper safety standards to be observed all the times and the need for a well ventilated gas stations and proper restaurants to be developed as negligence may lead to life threatening incidents like this one.
“I am devastated and right now the whole community is mourning following loss of lives through unsafe ways of doing business.
“However I would like to thank everyone who has assisted during this tragedy and those who are assisting the survivors who are recuperating in hospital,” said a distraught councillor.
The Midweek Watch has been informed that the owner of the gas station is based in Mwenezi and no charges have been preferred against him.
