Worshipers who had just come together to pray, have ended up suffering a huge disaster as a fire breaks out in their building.
File photo used only for illustrative purpose
No fewer than 20 people were killed when a fire broke out in a Muslim spiritual retreat in eastern Senegal, local media reported on Thursday.
About 50 others were injured when the fire broke out in the village of Medina Gounass, according to newspaper L’Observateur.
The village holds an annual retreat attended by thousands of Muslims from across West Africa each year.
The gathering, called “Daaka”, is a spiritual retreat that attracts thousands of pilgrims every year from Senegal and several countries of the sub region.
It took place in the middle of the bush, under the temporary shelters of straw.
The cause of the fire which also ravaged sheds where goods and vehicles were parked has not been determined.
The 2017 edition of Daaka kicked off on Saturday and will continue until April 17.
It is scheduled to receive Friday the visit of the Senegalese head of state.
The cause of the fire remained unknown on Thursday.