Massive Fire Engulfs Maper Market in Aweil Town, Causing Extensive Damage

By Denilson Denike

A devastating fire broke out in Maper Akot Aru market, a residential area on the outskirts of Aweil Town, on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. The fire resulted in significant property damage, with the shopping center being extensively destroyed and three people sustaining burn injuries. 

The cause of the fire has been attributed to a smoldering heap of groundnut husks that had been left unattended on an excavation site for two days. The pit was being dug to extract laterite for the purpose of paving highways.

The incident occurred when an individual, responsible for incinerating the dry groundnut husks intended for peanut paste production, failed to exercise caution. Instead of waiting for the process to complete naturally, the heap was left to smolder slowly, emitting smoke but lacking visible flames. Over the span of two days, the fire gradually intensified, leading to the devastating outcome.

Eyewitnesses and affected store owners shared their testimonies, each one surpassing the preceding one in terms of severity and heartbreak. 

John Athian Nhial, a pharmacist technician who assisted in the evacuation process, revealed that the fire initially started within the excavation site and could have been manageable. However, due to the initial indifference and hesitant response from shoppers and store owners, the situation quickly spiraled out of control. 

John expressed his disappointment that prompt action was not taken, as the fire could have been contained to just one shop made of elephant grass and bamboos.

The state’s fire brigade was unfortunately unreachable during the incident, exacerbating the raging blaze. It was only after contacting the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) that firefighters were able to arrive at the scene. Tragically, by that time, the fire had already caused extensive damage.

Residents of Maper Akot Aru expressed their regret that the municipal council or payam administration of Maper had not taken sufficient preventive measures. 

They argued that, considering Maper’s significance as a prominent suburb in Aweil Town, there should have been a dedicated fire brigade and stricter waste incineration control, particularly regarding the excavation sites.

The community of Maper Akot Aru is mourning the loss of their beloved market and the significant impact this fire has had on their lives and businesses.