The fire at the Shell Ultra City Umvoti Toll on the N2 is believed to have started at the back of Steers kitchen, according to Samantha Meyrick from IPSS Security.

“We were going to the Ballito Microlight Centre and were just parking our car when we saw the smoke,” she said.

“It was about 10.30am. Two tankers are also on fire. We think one is a petrol tanker and one is a diesel tanker. A delivery truck also caught alight.

“There were some explosions probably from the gas cylinders at Steers.”

A few houses behind Shell City are also burning.

Four fire engines are attending to the blaze and more are on their way from Ethekwinini. 

Witnesses said there was a loud bang around 10.30am. 

“I was coming from the shop, when I heard the sound. I thought it was a bomb,” said a resident, who did not wish to be named.

The sound was heard by people staying next to Groutville Secondary School which is about 3km from the highway.

One house has already been raised to the ground. The owner is away for the Easter holidays in the Manguzi area.

WATCH: The fire at Shell City, Umvoti Toll.