A massive fire tore through the China Mall complex in Springfield, north of Durban, in the early hours of Saturday morning (March), destroying multiple trading units.

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According to eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilane, the City’s Emergency Services Directorate received a distress call at about 02:10.

More than 25 firefighters were immediately dispatched to the scene, supported by teams from four northern fire stations.

“Firefighters arrived on scene to find a fierce blaze already tearing through the complex,” said Sisilane.

Emergency teams battled the flames for several hours under intense heat, heavy smoke and rapidly collapsing structures before managing to contain the fire.

Sisilane said 14 trading units were affected in the blaze. Twelve units were completely destroyed while two were severely damaged.

“No injuries or fatalities have been reported,” she said, attributing this to the swift response by emergency teams.

Fire and Emergency Services, Metro Police and SAPS remain on site to monitor and secure the area while also managing traffic and public safety.

Investigators have begun assessments to determine the cause of the fire.

Due to extensive structural damage, China Mall has been closed until further notice to allow for safety inspections, forensic investigations and clean-up operations.

The public can report emergencies to the City by calling 031 361 0000.

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