The fire started at around 3 p.m., according to residents who spoke to IGIHE, while firefighters were still working to contain the blaze by 4:30 p.m.

“The fire started on the fifth floor, and it is still burning,” one resident told IGIHE.

The fire started at around 3 p.m., according to residents who spoke to IGIHE.

Residents near the market said they did not know what caused the fire. As flames spread through the building, traders and other occupants rushed outside to escape the blaze.

Some traders were seen sitting on the ground and crying after witnessing the destruction and fearing the loss of their merchandise.

A resident said the fire had affected the upper floors, where tailors and second-hand clothing traders operate.

“The fire is still burning, and firefighters are trying to put it out. As we speak, it has been burning for about 20 minutes. It started at around 3 p.m., approaching 4 p.m.,” the resident said.

The resident added that everyone had evacuated the building, but traders operating on the upper floors were particularly worried that their goods might have been destroyed.

“People are distressed, understandably, because they have lost their belongings. I suspect those operating upstairs, where the fire started, will not be able to salvage anything. They will suffer losses,” the resident said.

As flames spread through the building, traders and other occupants rushed outside to escape the blaze.

By 4:30 p.m., flames were still visible on the fourth and fifth floors as the Rwanda National Police fire and rescue brigade continued efforts to extinguish the blaze.

IGIHE has contacted Musanze District Mayor Claudien Nsengimana for information on the cause of the fire, which had not been established by the time of publication.

About Goico market

Goico market was built in 2017 by Gorilla Investment Company (GOICO), a company bringing together 89 private investors from Musanze District. The project cost approximately Rwf7.5 billion.

The multi-storey commercial building houses businesses selling clothing, electronic equipment and other goods. It also accommodates banks and supermarkets.

More than 1,550 traders operate at the market, which receives an estimated 25,000 visitors daily.

The multi-storey commercial building houses businesses selling clothing, electronic equipment and other goods. It also accommodates banks and supermarkets.
Traders operating on the upper floors were particularly worried that their goods might have been destroyed.
More than 1,550 traders operate at the market, which receives an estimated 25,000 visitors daily.