A fire consumed stores in a commercial zone in a populous area of Aweil town on Sunday causing at least eight casualties, including one rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
The fire department in the state said it later managed to contain the fire that broke out in the crowded residential area of Machar Kunyuk and extended into Ayuang and parts of areas along the railway known as Hai Sakadit.
The fire ruined more than thirteen shops stocked with commercial items and goods for sale and completely destroyed more than 100 houses. According to eyewitnesses, one person died.
Witness Alexander Kuol said: “I shed tears when looking at the magnitude of the outbreak of fire in Aweil town, in a very high and swift speed. It’s so sad for the victims whose lives were already threatened by food insecurity in the state. I am very unhappy too looking at how these urban dwellers are struggling to support their relatives in rural villages.”
The source of the fire has not yet been determined. The affected area is in one of the most populous areas in town. State information Minister Wek Kuc told Radio Tamazuj the incident was unfortunate and the state government was investigating the cause of the fire.
Related:
Fire burns over 20 houses in Aweil town (4 Mar.)