Fire guts Lusaka nightclub
FEMALE Zambia Airforce fire fighters yesterday from won the the hearts and admiration of scores of onlookers when they donned gas masks with oxygen canisters to fight a fire that swept through the Cornelius Park, destroying properties at Lusaka's popular Las Vegas Annex night club that is housed at the top floor of the building. As smoke and flames billowed from the three-storey building, the Airforce officers climbed upstairs to the top floor where they broke the door to gain entry into the inferno that threatened the entire structure. The female officers’ bravery and professionalism warmed the hearts of onlookers who cheered them on.
The building caught fire from the upper floor around 12:00 hours yesterday, and was only quenched by combined efforts by the Lusaka City Council Fire Brigade and Zambia Air Force Fire and Rescue Service.
And Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja rushed to the scene of the fire and later several other of- ficials that included Presidential Affairs Minister, Freedom Sikazwe and Lusaka City Council Town Clerk Alex Mwansa were spotted at the premises while fire fighters were trying to put out the fire. Mr Sikazwe complained that the fires were hurting the economy. The cause of the fire was not ascertained by press time, but several other businesses that include restaurants, bureau, laundry services and a Zoona money outlet among others, were affected forcing people to pull things out before they were extensively damaged by the fire.
However, some people found at the scene have linked the gutting of the building to acts of sabotage while others suspected that it could have been an electrical fault that caused the fire. But Lusaka City Council public relations manager George Sichimba said a comprehensive statement would be issued once investigations were concluded. Lusaka has seen numerous fire outbreaks at both public and private facilities with the latest being Comesa Market, Buteko market in Mufulira and Mazabuka cotton factory.