WALVIS BAY – The Henties Bay Spar was reduced to rubble and ashes after a massive fire ravaged through the retailer on Saturday evening.
A firefighter and a civilian were injured while trying to contain the fire.
Witnesses on Saturday told New Era that a loud bang was heard minutes before smoke and flames were detected at the retailer.
Crime investigations coordinator for the Namibian Police in Erongo Erastus Iikuyu, during his crime update, indicated losses and damages caused to the building are estimated to be around N$25 million, while 100 employees have been affected.
According to Iikuyu, the fire started around 20h16 at the take-away kitchen and quickly spread to the rest of the shop.
“Firefighters managed to finally contain the fire around 03h00 yesterday morning. Sadly, the shop burnt down completely,” Iikuyu said.
He also indicated that a firefighter sustained slight injuries during the incident while a civilian is currently being treated at a Swakopmund hospital after he fell through the shop building while assisting the fire brigade.
Police said the cause of the fire is still being investigated.
edeklerk@nepc.com.na