EThekwini Municipality’s Environmental Health Department has cautioned residents in Durban Central and surrounding areas about the fumes emanating from the Durban China Mall on Dr Pixley Kasame Street which was gutted by fire on Friday.
Municipal spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela, said operations to control the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings were underway and City’s Fire and Emergency Services had to remain on site to extinguish smouldering debris in the affected building. Traffic was diverted as the City’s Fire and Emergency Services took about three days to extinguish the blaze. “With smoke emanating from the building, the public is urged to take precautions when in the area. Areas affected vary depending on wind direction. Some of the areas affected include Durban Central, Berea, Musgrave, Congela, Glenwood, Wilson’s Wharf and Maydon Wharf. Residents are advised to close their windows and doors and to put wet cloths over vents until the smoke clears. When it clears residents are advised to air out their homes. It is estimated that the smoke may last for a few days. Officials will be on site until the situation is resolved,” he said.
Emer-G-Med spokesperson, Kyle Van Reenen, said 13 people were treated for injuries ranging from minor to moderate and were taken to various nearby hospitals for further medical care. “Reports from the scene indicate that a fire broke out on one of the floors. EThekwini Fire and Rescue Services together with Metro Police and SAPS Search and Rescue had to use high-rise ladders to gain access to rescue them. Thirteen people were treated for injuries ranging from minor to moderate and were taken to various nearby hospitals for further medical care,” he said. The relevant authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.
