By Thokozani Mazibuko
A catastrophic fire broke out at the Tesco Cash and Carry facility, causing an estimated E30 million in damages and devastating one of the largest retail outlets in the area.
The incident occurred just 200 meters from the Eswatini National Fire and Emergency and Rescue Services (ENFRES) station, yet efforts to control the blaze were hampered due to the severity of the flames.
Tesco’s General Manager, Anil Tamang, stated that a fire at their facility caused significant losses, including extensive damage to stock and other valuables.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the fire erupted late Tuesday night, with flames leaping high into the sky. Response teams faced challenges in extinguishing the flames, which quickly spread throughout the building.
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By Wednesday afternoon, when the Eswatini Daily News (EDN) arrived on the scene, firefighters were still battling to bring the fire under control.
The smell of smoke lingered in the air as teams continued their valiant effort to address the remaining hot spots within the structure.
The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) remain on high alert as the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Community members expressed their shock at the incident, with many relying on Tesco Cash and Carry as a primary source of goods and services.
As investigations continue, the impact of this disaster will undoubtedly be felt across the region, especially for the families and employees associated with the establishment.
Support initiatives are expected to be established for those affected as the community comes together to deal with the aftermath of this tragic event.
For now, as flames still flicker against the twilight sky, the Matsapha community holds its breath in anticipation of recovery and rebuilding efforts, while hoping for answers regarding the cause of this devastating fire.
……..losing our jobs overnight, devastating- employee
An employee of Tesco Cash and Carry who preferred to remain anonymous told Eswatini Daily News (EDN) that it was devastating to lose a job just overnight.
In a tragic turn of events, a devastating fire engulfed a local TESCO store last night, leading to damages estimated at a staggering E30 million.
The blaze, which erupted under yet-to-be-determined circumstances, not only ravaged the store inventory but also resulted in the loss of livelihood for over 50 dedicated employees.
According to General Manager Anil Tamang, the destruction caused by the fire extends beyond mere financial loss.
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“This has been a catastrophic incident for us,” Tamang stated during an emergency press briefing. “The E30 million figure accounts for the significant loss of stock and other valuables, but it also symbolizes the devastating impact on our team and the community.”
The fire reportedly started around 9 pm and spread rapidly through the store, causing extensive damage before firefighters could bring it under control.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries among the staff or the community, but the emotional toll and uncertainty of the future weigh heavily on the shoulders of those who called TESCO their workplace.
“We were like a family here,” said a former employee, who wished to remain anonymous due to the ongoing situation.“Losing our jobs overnight is devastating. Many of us have bills to pay and families to support. It’s a tough time for us all.”
It should be noted that as investigations into the cause of the fire continue, TESCO has promised transparency and support for its former employees.
The company is also exploring options for recovery and potential rebuilding, with the hope of restoring a sense of normalcy to the affected workers and the community at lar