A massive fire tore through a scrapyard in Newlands West on Monday, destroying nearly 80 vehicles before emergency teams managed to bring the blaze under control.
Multiple patients were treated on scene for smoke inhalation and burn-related injuries as emergency services raced against time to contain the rapidly spreading fire.
KZN VIP Emergency Medical Services, alongside various security stakeholders and fire department teams, responded swiftly following reports of a large structural and vehicle fire.
Spokesperson Gareth Naidoo said upon arrival, emergency personnel were met with flames spreading rapidly from vehicle to vehicle, causing extensive damage across the scrapyard premises.
“Firefighters, together with additional resources, worked tirelessly to contain and extinguish the fire while preventing it from spreading to surrounding properties,” he said.
Naidoo added that KZN VIP medics treated several patients at the scene for smoke inhalation and burn injuries, with further medical care arranged where necessary.
The cause of the fire remains unknown at this stage and is under investigation.
Roads surrounding the area were temporarily closed as emergency teams continued firefighting and safety operations.
