Oshakati — A raging inferno burnt down Indo-Nam Wholesalers and Castle Warehouse at Frans Indongo Continental in Oshakati during the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The cause of the fire was still not known at the time of writing - however Indo-Nam Wholesalers Director, Ashor Iyer, told New Era that he suspects the fire might have been caused by lightning.

A thunderstom drenched the greater part of Oshakati yesterday morning. The rain began around 02h00 and continued for almost an hour and half. The damage caused is estimated at N$5 million, he said.

Iyer assured the 24 employers that they would not be laid off as a result of the fire. The fire broke out yesterday morning between 03h00 and 04h00.

Indo-Nam Wholesalers opened its doors recently selling specialty foods and other merchandise to the public at affordable prices.

Fire-fighters were able to get inside the burning building upon arrival, where they discovered that the fire had engulfed much of the merchandise. The quick response prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings.

When New Era arrived at the scene, the fire was already extinguished, but the building was still smouldering.

According to Oshana Regional Police Commander Commissioner Ndahangapo Kashihakumwa, who was at the scene, no injuries or deaths were reported and a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the fire. He said that they are still investigating the cause of the fire, which sent huge plumes of smoke into the morning sky.