WATCH: Flat on Maxwell Street goes up in flames
None of the tenants were present when the fire started
Tenants at Numbers complex on Maxwell Street in Kempton Park CBD had to evacuate the premises when a fire broke out at one of the flats in Friday morning.
The property’s security officer, Frank Ndlovu, was in his cubicle when the incident happened.
“I was alerted by people passing by that there was smoke coming out of one of the flats,” said Ndlovu.
“When I looked outside I saw smoke coming out of one of the flats on the third floor. I immediately rushed to the flat and when I got there, I found that the security and wooden doors were not locked. As I opened the door, the flames gushed towards me and luckily I managed to get away in time and didn’t inhale a lot of smoke.”
Ndlovu said he wanted to stop the fire but when he opened the door he realised the fire had already engulfed the seven-room flat.
“The amount of smoke and flames that came out that door was too much and I couldn’t go inside,” explained Ndlovu.
“I started running and shouting around the premises telling people that there was a fire and that they must evacuate the premises.
“I used the emergency firehose to try and extinguish the fire with the help of other people as well while others called the emergency services.”
None of the tenants were present when it went up in flames.
“I was at my friend’s place which is not far from the complex when I received a call where I was told that the flat is burning,” said one of the tenants who wished to remain anonymous.
“Three of us occupy the flat but luckily none of us were inside during the incident. The one guy has been gone for a week or so, while the other left in the morning for work. I was lost for words when I arrived to see the flat in flames. This is devastating.”
EXPRESS was on scene and although the fire had been extinguished one could still feel the heat from the remaining structure and burnt out furniture.
Making your way to the flat, you are met with puddles of water on the staircases and when on the third floor and approaching the flat, you jump over pieces of ceiling boards and shattered glass. The doors were still intacked while the inside was a mixture of water and charcoal black furniture and appliances.
Although ambulance services were on the scene nobody was injured, including Ndlovu who was gushed by smoke but said he didn’t inhale a lot.
It is unclear what caused the fire but the matter will be investigated to determine the cause.
