By Lisa Masuku-Kurira
A devastating fire destroyed a double-storey wing at Lalani Hotel in Bulawayo shortly after midnight on Friday, leaving extensive damage to one of the city’s hospitality facilities.
The blaze rapidly engulfed the thatched structure, triggering an emergency response from the Bulawayo Fire Brigade.
Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer, Mr Mhlangano Moyo said firefighters moved swiftly after receiving a distress call.
“We received a call around midnight and immediately rushed to the scene. The blaze had already spread and destroyed the entire double-storey wing, which was made of thatch,” said Mr Moyo.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as explosions were heard moments before the fire intensified and spread through parts of the hotel complex.
“Someone came to my gate to wake me up and when we came out, all we could hear were explosions. Then we saw a huge blaze at the back and it was spreading very quickly,” said one witness.
Another witness praised the efforts of firefighters, noting the challenges posed by the highly combustible roofing material.
“The fire brigade tried its best to contain the fire, but the challenge was that the blaze spread rapidly because of the thatch,” the witness said.
Hotel management said the fire caused extensive destruction, with nearly three-quarters of the facility affected.
Lalani Hotel General Manager, Ms Senzeni Sibasa said the blaze wiped out a significant section of the establishment, including accommodation facilities.
“The fire destroyed most of our facility. This entire double-storey wing, which houses more than 20 rooms, was destroyed, while other sections of the hotel were also affected. The facility suffered extensive damage, but we are grateful that no lives were lost and no one was injured,” said Ms Sibasa.
The incident comes amid a series of fire outbreaks that have affected public buildings in Bulawayo’s Central Business District in recent months.
Authorities have urged property owners and members of the public to remain vigilant as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.
