BREAKING: Flames engulf Kempton house during drug bust (video)
Women, believed to be prostitutes, allegedly started a fire inside the house.
A drug raid at a house on the corner of Greyilla Street and Kerk Street turned into a deadly house fire on Friday afternoon, after women believed to be prostitutes allegedly started a fire inside the house.
According to Gerald Groenewald from Sec Pros Security, a drug operation by local security companies, the police and the EMPD was underway inside the double-storey house, when smoke started to pour from a top room.
“A fight broke out between [what we believe to be] prostitutes. They went upstairs and the smoke started.”
This was shortly after noon.
Groenewald said the fire spread within minutes because of the house’s wooden roof frame.
“It was scary as hell.”
All of the about nine people inside the house were removed safely, despite some of them trying to run back for their belongings.
“We were able to stop them,” Groenewald said.
Kempton Park Fire Station was the first responders on the scene.
Express arrived at the chaotic scene about 15 minutes after the fire erupted. Roof tiles slid to the floor as flames engulfed the roof. Despite the sweltering blaze, curious locals stood in awe as security members and the fire brigade attempted to douse the fire.
Vincent Xhoza, acting spokesperson for Kempton Park Fire Station, confirmed at 1.30pm that the fire had been extinguished.
“At this time we cannot confirm who started the fire,” he told Expressy. “Despite a rumour that there was still someone inside the house, no injuries have been confirmed.”
