The large-scale fire broke out this Easter Sunday in the early afternoon and was brought under control after 6 hours of intervention by Cotonou firefighters and around. 12,000 m² of the 180,000 area of the market was affected by the flames.
as reported from Cotonou, Jean-Luc Aplogan
When you arrive at the scene of the disaster, you are struck by the sharp smell of the fire that still smells under the rubble. Large resources were deployed, 61 firefighters were mobilized to put out the fire and protect the rest of the market. Temporary sheds, grain, crockery, electrical wiring, bags of sugar, about fifty shops have gone up in smoke.
Homeowners celebrating Easter in the house warned by social media or witnesses. They came running, but they could do nothing, save nothing from the violence of the flames. Inconsolable, they all say they have lost everything.
It did not lose human lives and investigators still do not prefer lines. This is not the first time this has happened in this large business center, very lively and much visited by several traders from West and Central Africa. Fires in this Cotonou market are recurring, there have been four in the last five years.
On March 25, we heard the same complaint. Six thrift stores had burned down.
The Dantokpa market has existed since 1963, it has never been able to offer total security for those who animate and visit it. A program to build urban and regional markets is underway. A new Dantokpa is planned outside Cotonou and more up to standard.
► Read also: Spices from the Dantokpa market
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