A huge fire in the electricity company’s stores in the vicinity of the Libyan capital

A huge fire broke out yesterday, Sunday, in warehouses belonging to the General Electricity Company in the southern suburb of the Libyan capital. The fire swept through the surrounding areas and threatened to burn dozens of nearby homes, amid fears that it would spread to nearby gas lines.

Eyewitnesses said that the fire that broke out on Sunday evening spread quickly and widely in all directions and reached a height of tens of meters.

Thick plumes of black smoke were seen from the Libyan capital even after dark.

Video clips on social networks and broadcast by local media showed dozens of firefighters trying to control the fire before a strong explosion forced them to retreat.

Although there were no reports of any injuries, the head of the National Unity Government in Libya, Abdul Hamid Dabaiba, called for an investigation to determine the source of the fire.

Al-Dabaiba issued orders to evacuate residents of homes located near the burning areas, and to provide ambulances. He also called for an investigation to determine the source of the fire.

In turn, Interior Minister Imad Trabelsi called for “the evacuation of homes located near the General Electricity Company’s stores in Karimiya for a distance of one kilometre,” according to a statement on Facebook.

While the causes of the fire are still unknown, as is the extent of the damage, the Electrical Police Department confirmed, in a statement, that drilling operations may have caused the fire.

The General Electricity Company contacted the Attorney General’s Office, in order to open an investigation into the incident and determine the reasons that led to the outbreak of the fire, and whether it was intentional or not.