A couple running a paint shop at Chemusa Market in Blantyre has tragically died after their shop caught fire.

According to eyewitness Patrick Makwale, the couple sold items like paint and paraffin. The fire started when the woman, who was cooking inside the shop, opened a container of paraffin, which ignited and caused the fire to spread quickly.

“The flames spread fast, and they couldn’t escape,” Makwale said.

The fire also damaged four nearby shops before firefighters arrived to put it out.

Their bodies have been taken to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre. Authorities are yet to release further details on the incident.

The police have confirmed the incident, and investigations are ongoing.