Several Mpumalanga businesses ablaze
Investigations are ongoing after several businesses in Komatipoort, Mpumalanga, were set ablaze earlier this morning.
It was alleged the fire had started ar about 5.30am in a 24-hour tavern on the corner of Louw and Lourens streets, in the vicinity of several Chinese shops, Lowvelder reported.
Witnesses apparently heard a loud explosion, but it is unclear whether that had been gas bottles or fireworks.
Initial reports on social media alleged the fire had spread to the shops from a burning car, while others alleged the fire was xenophobia related.
Several people were allegedly trapped inside the building, but they were rescued in time.
At this stage, it remains unclear what caused the fire, which has since been contained.
The scene was secured by Securicon Emergency Management Services, and the department was alleged to have arrived at 7.52am.
In a separate incident, one person was treated for smoke inhalation after at least 40 shacks went up in flames in Denver, Johannesburg, in November.
The fire started around midday in the settlement in the industrial area.
Nobody had to be taken to hospital.
The cause of the fire was unknown.
– Caxton News Service
Read original story on lowvelder.co.za
