Gulu Police Investigate Suspected Arson in Layibi Centre
By Okello Patrick|NGUNAGULU.COM
Fire Breaks Out in Busy Commercial Area
Police in Gulu City are currently investigating a fire outbreak that occurred at Layibi Centre in Tegwana Parish, Pece Laroo Division.
Specifically, the incident took place in Gulu West and affected makeshift business structures commonly used by small-scale traders.
As a result, the fire spread rapidly, thereby alarming residents and business owners operating in the busy commercial area. Consequently, authorities say the incident once again highlights the ongoing safety risks in densely populated trading centres.
Emergency Call Triggers Police Response
Meanwhile, police received a distress call from Peter Banya, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner in charge of Laroo–Pece Division, reporting the fire.
Immediately afterward, Aswa West Police Spokesperson David Ongom Mudong confirmed that the alert prompted an instant police response.
According to Mudong, the fire started in a makeshift structure measuring two by five meters. Initially, the structure operated as a chapati-making outlet; however, the flames later spread to a nearby restaurant.
Fire Brigade Contains the Blaze
Following the report, police officers led by Corporal Omara Denis quickly moved in to secure the scene.
Simultaneously, the Gulu City fire brigade arrived and began firefighting operations using a thirty-meter delivery hose fitted with a diffuser branch.
As a result of the coordinated response, firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze before it could spread further into the trading centre. Consequently, their swift intervention saved several nearby buildings from destruction.
Property Destroyed, Losses Reported
Nevertheless, despite the timely response, intense heat badly damaged a metallic kiosk containing assorted shop items. Subsequently, several items inside the container melted, thereby causing significant losses.
According to police, the kiosk belongs to Atim Fiona Kabazira, a trader operating at Layibi Centre. However, authorities have not yet established the total value of the property destroyed in the fire.
Arson Suspected as Investigations Continue
Notably, police suspect arson as the possible cause of the fire outbreak. Therefore, investigators have launched inquiries to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
In the meantime, authorities have appealed to the public to provide any information that may assist the investigation. Ultimately, police continue to urge traders to observe safety measures as investigations into the Layibi Centre fire progress.
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