BUJUMBURA, July 10 (Xinhua) -- One person was killed and about 80 percent of the stalls in the Ngozi market were destroyed on Thursday evening in a fire that ravaged the market in Butanyerera Province, northern Burundi, local authorities reported.
"The fire, which broke out around 9:00 p.m. local time, was completely brought under control around 11:00 p.m. local time after a hard-fought battle by the emergency services. The preliminary report indicates a lot of material losses and one fatality," Victor Segasago, governor of Butanyerera Province, said Friday after visiting the market.
He announced the imminent rehabilitation of the market to resume commercial activities as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, a commission, composed of representatives from traders, the administration, security forces, and health services, will soon be established to expedite the rehabilitation work.
Segasago added that the damage assessment is ongoing to determine the exact extent of the damage and the circumstances that caused the fire.
Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye posted a message on social media, expressing his deep sorrow over the fire that ravaged the Ngozi market.
He comforted all those affected by this disaster and encouraged them to remain "courageous despite this difficult ordeal." ■