UPDATE: One Dead, Several Shops Destroyed as Probe Begins into Mogadishu Market Fire

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Authorities have launched an investigation into a fire that tore through Suuq Bacaad, Mogadishu’s second-largest market, killing a young girl and destroying several businesses.

According to Yaaqshiid district Mayor Suleiman Mahamoud Fargah, the fire, which burned for several hours before being brought under control, is believed to have been sparked by an electrical fault,

Mayor Fargah extended condolences to the victim’s family and confirmed that no other injuries were reported.

Firefighters battled strong winds that threatened to spread the blaze further into the densely packed market, officials said. Their quick response helped prevent wider devastation.

A committee of local business owners is expected to be formed today to assess the financial impact of the fire. It will consult affected traders and compile a damage report as part of the recovery effort.

Suuq Bacaad serves as a key commercial hub in Mogadishu, and the fire has raised concerns about infrastructure and safety standards in the city’s busy marketplaces.