Fire erupted in Agok market in Abyei on Wednesday evening. Two shops and eight grinding mills were consumed, and one child was reportedly hurt or killed.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj at the scene in Agok market, the head of the trade chamber in Abyei said, “When I first knew there was a fire I moved toward the market and when I came I found a place where there is a group of grinding machines, about eight grinding machines. It is said that the fire started as a result of friction from one of these machines.”
Deng Chol, the chairman of Abyei commerce, added that the fire spread widely in the market, consuming eight grinding mills, two shops and extending into the nearby residential neighborhood.
“The fire has eaten a large area. There is also news that it burnt a certain Ugandan child in the neighborhood but I do not know whether child has died or is alive,” Chol added.
Asked whether the government would assist victims of the blaze with compensation, the business leader replied only God will compensate them since the government would not be able to do so.
He noted this was not the first time for Agok market to burn. There were fires more than five times previously.
File photo