Firefighters save man from burning shop
Local emergency services heroes save man's life.
The bravery of the Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) members was showcased on Friday morning, when a man’s life was saved.
Norma Shilakoe (Bedfordview Fire Station) and Clifford Molobela (Primrose Fire Station) entered the blaze at the Tri-Nut Café and Take Away in Rietfontein Road, Primrose, and carried a 38-year-old man to safety after he was found unconscious in a backroom.
William Ntladi, media liaison officer for DEMS, told the GCN they received the call at 9.02am.
An EMPD officer from the Germiston North precinct, Bheki Ndaba, was on patrol in the area when he saw the flames and radioed emergency services.
A team from the Primrose Fire Station responded immediately, backed-up by teams from the Bedfordview and Edenvale stations.
“When the teams arrived the flames were coming out of the windows of the shop,” Ntladi said.
“They had to force entry to the premises, as the door was locked, and they then started to conduct a search inside for any people.
“A man was found unconscious in a backroom of the shop.
“He was brought to safety and our paramedics began resuscitation on him on the pavement in front of the shop.
“It is believed he inhaled a lot of smoke and was transported to Tambo Memorial Hospital, in Boksburg, in a critical condition.”
Ntladi added that it is believed the fire was started deliberately by an employee of the store.
“The matter will be investigated,” he said.
Emergency services got the blaze under control quickly and by 10.30am the scene had been cleared.
“What aided us to get the fire contained so quickly was the presence of a fire hydrant right outside the shop,” he said.
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