The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services responded to two devastating early morning fires on Friday, resulting in fatalities and significant property damage.
A fire at the corner of Main and Sandelhout Road in Delf South destroyed several structures and tragically claimed the lives of four adult males.
Fire spokesperson Jermaine Carelse said crews from Belhar, Lansdowne, Bellville, and Mitchell’s Plain, supported by the Incident Management Team (IMT) Type 5, extinguished the blaze by 6:45 a.m.
“Three structures, a fruit and vegetable stall, a gym, and a gas cylinder outlet, were damaged. Approximately 24 cylinders were removed and placed on the pavement away from the hot zone. Sadly, the bodies of four adult males were found with fatal burn wounds inside the makeshift gym. The South African Police Service will investigate the cause of this incident,” Carelse said.
Earlier, at around 1 a.m., a fire broke out at the Nyanga taxi rank on Emms Drive, destroying nine minibus taxis.
“Several crews were dispatched, including the IMT Type 5. Crews managed to contain and extinguish the fire by 2 a.m. Preliminary reports indicate that five Quantum and four Iveco Sprinter minibuses were destroyed,” Carelse confirmed.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
SAPS spokesperson Captain F.C Van Wyk of the South African said patrol members noticed smoke around 01:30 while on duty in Nyanga and immediately responded.
“An enquiry was registered for investigation. SAPS members remain on the scene, and patrol vehicles have been sensitised to monitor all taxi routes and ranks,” he added.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about either incident to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
VOC News
Photo: Supplied
