A violent fire broke out late Wednesday night at the main market in Kayes, causing widespread panic and significant material damage. The blaze started around 11 p.m. in the newly built section located in the center of the market, one of the busiest commercial areas in the city.
According to witnesses, the flames spread rapidly through several shops and storage spaces, destroying merchandise belonging to many traders. Thick smoke and intense heat drew large crowds as residents and shop owners rushed to the scene in an attempt to save goods from the fire.
Firefighters responded quickly after being alerted and worked throughout the night to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings. Security forces also secured the area to facilitate emergency operations and maintain order among the anxious crowd.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kayes, Amadou Dicko, alongside the Mayor of the urban commune of Kayes, Adama Guindo, visited the site shortly after the incident. They expressed solidarity with the affected traders and promised that authorities would assess the damage and provide support where possible.
Although no casualties have officially been reported so far, many traders are feared to have suffered heavy financial losses. Authorities have not yet released an official estimate of the material damage, while investigations are expected to determine the exact cause of the fire.
The tragedy has sparked strong emotion across the city, with many residents calling for improved fire safety measures in public markets to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
