Fire guts Boksburg factory
The cause of the fire that razed a factory in Boksburg, on the East Rand, on Wednesday is still unknown, Ekurhuleni Emergency Services (EMS) said.
It is believed the fire started at the GEFE Pty Ltd factory at about 8.30pm on Tuesday and burned throughout the night. EMS spokesperson William Ntladi said upon arriving at the scene, the factory was alight and its roof had already caved in, Boksburg Advertiser reported.
“We called for backup, as we had to protect other factories within the premises. We also had to think fast, as there was a diesel tanker inside the burning factory, which we had to remove before it could catch fire,” said Ntladi.
Firefighters were still on the scene, trying to put out the fire on Wednesday morning.
“Five water tankers, four major pumps and three medium pumps were utilised to extinguish the blaze. Our efforts were hamstrung by having to shuttle water from a hydrant stationed outside the premises,” said Ntladi.
Ntladi added no one was injured in the process. However, damages to the property are believed to be in the millions of rands.
This after a man was badly burnt on the back of his hand when the roof of a plastics factory in Crown Mines, Johannesburg, collapsed in a fire in February.
Emergency management services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said the man was treated on scene before being taken to hospital.
– Caxton News Service
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