Two people injured in fire at factory premises in Neave Industrial area, Gqeberha

August 17, 2023

A huge fire has destroyed a factory in Buitekant Street, Gqeberha. Several explosions could be heard as a result of gas bottles exploding.

Municipal spokesperson, Mamela Ndamase said they received a call for a building fire at Buitekant Street, Marais Township at 13:12 on Thursday, August 17. “The first vehicle arrived at 13:16. An officer reported that it is a building containing flammable liquid involved. Two persons were injured and treated by emergency medical services. A house at the back of the building was also damaged. The fire was brought under control and extinguished by 15:39,” she stated.

An employee of a company situated opposite the burning building, told PE Express he heard a loud explosion before seeing people running out of the building.

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“The lady who works at the reception couldn’t even grab her bag before running out, that’s how fast the fire spread. As far as I’m aware, no one died, but one of the male employees who was trapped behind one of the gates suffered smoke inhalation and had to be rushed to the hospital, an another has burns on his arm,” he said.

A homeowner in the neighborhood rushed to check if his house was affected after hearing of the fire, “I was scared that something might have happened to my house or family. Thankfully we were not affected,” he said.

“It was hectic. The fire-fighters were amazing to get such a huge fire out in about 30 minutes,” one resident said.

This is a developing story.