The toll from the fire that broke out on Sunday evening at the Bazary Kely market in Toamasina is severe. Local authorities report one death, one injury, and significant material damage. Approximately 90% of the market, or nearly 3,200 stalls, was destroyed by the flames. Initial hypotheses suggest a short circuit caused the fire, which started around 10:40 PM and was only brought under control around 4:00 AM.
According to our sources, the lifeless body of an unidentified person was discovered Monday morning in a kitchenware stall. The victim was found completely charred. Several merchants attempting to save their goods reported hearing cries for help around 1:00 AM near the location where the body was found, but they were unable to intervene as the flames had already engulfed the area.
A source from the Atsinanana Region also indicated that another person was injured. In total, nearly 3,200 stalls were destroyed overnight. The affected businesses mainly dealt in basic necessities, vegetables, textiles, shoes, and cosmetics. As of Monday noon, Toamasina firefighters were still working to extinguish the remaining hotspots.
Several theories regarding the origin of the disaster are circulating. Some suggest a cooking fire started inside the market, while others point to a short circuit. One source claims the fire may have been triggered by a short circuit related to a mobile phone being charged by a market guard, though this remains to be confirmed.
The Urban Commune of Toamasina has announced the opening of an investigation to determine the exact causes of the fire. Meanwhile, solidarity efforts are being organized to support the victims.
On-site, many residents expressed their despair. According to them, the population had not yet recovered from the damage caused by Cyclone Gezani, and this new fire has plunged many families into further distress. Some merchants claim to have been victims of five separate fires at the Bazary Kely market over the past twenty years.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-03 20:38:45 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://2424.mg/catastrophe-un-mort-un-blesse-et-pres-de-3-200-kiosques-ravages-par-lincendie-du-bazary-kely-de-toamasina/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=catastrophe-un-mort-un-blesse-et-pres-de-3-200-kiosques-ravages-par-lincendie-du-bazary-kely-de-toamasina