Raging fires have gutted shops in a busy trading centre in Muhanga District, destroying property worth millions.

The fire broke out on Thursday night at around 8pm, according to eyewitnesses.

Seven shops were reduced to ashes.

Alice Nyiranteziryayo, a member of Imbangukiragutabara Security Company, who was present when the fire broke out spoke of huge flames of fire sweeping through the shops.

She told The New Times that she was chatting with other guards when suddenly thick plumes emerged from one of the shops. "We immediately alerted the police and the owners of the shops,” she said.

Chief Superintendent Hubert Gashagaza, Southern Region Police Spokesperson, told The New Times that "investigations are ongoing.”