A blazing fire erupted at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) Physics Department building on Friday, prompting the swift response of the Harare Fire Brigade.
The fire devastated nearly half of the structure, causing substantial damage to its roof and windows.
As of the time of writing this report, the exact cause of the fire remains shrouded in mystery, leaving many with unanswered questions. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether any lives were lost in the wake of this destructive event. The financial toll of the property damage incurred by this fire is yet to be quantified.
The intensity of the situation was brought to light through a viral video circulating on social media. The video captures the UZ Physics Department building in the throes of the fire’s destructive power. The individual behind the camera can be heard expressing how ‘messed up’ the situation is. You can view the video below:
pic.twitter.com/i9EHIVXkGh
— SAFFY WECHEHLE🇿🇼 (@SihlanguSixo) October 27, 2023
Zimbabwean netizens flocked to social media platforms to share their thoughts and reactions regarding this unfortunate incident. While some commended the swift response of the fire brigade, others injected a touch of humour into their remarks.
Some even playfully speculated that a student might have ignited the fire to avoid retaking a failed course. A few even playfully referenced the popular TV series Breaking Bad, joking that someone might have accidentally caused the fire while “cooking.”
Check out some of the comments below:
@ReyMosquito:
vapfanha vephysics failed vakapisa building before mapepa amakwa
@Wachewee:
Organic and Analytical Chemistry labs are located right there. Someone must have been cooking
@the_Dzimbabwe:
Atleast fire brigade yaresponder
@guvavangaakudzw:
Gangster raramba kukera😂😂😂
@MufaroWhitney:
too many faulty wires mhanii panzvimbo iyi, I hope no one was hurt
This incident revives memories of a similar event in 2007 when the University of Zimbabwe’s New Complex Four dining hall suffered extensive damage due to a fire.
Suspicions arose about whether the fire was part of an alleged bombing campaign, leading the police to investigate the incident as either arson or an accidental blaze.
Source iHarare
