VANDERBIJLPARK – Panic erupted in the Vanderbijlpark CBD on Thursday night (September 24) when a fierce fire ripped through several businesses, leaving four shops extensively damaged.

The blaze was reported to authorities at approximately 22:18, with firefighters arriving to find three buildings already fully engulfed in flames.

According to Emfuleni Local Municipality spokesperson Makhosonke Sangweni, the fire had developed significantly and posed a serious threat to surrounding businesses, including Midas Spares.

Firefighters from Emfuleni Fire and Rescue, together with Fidelity Fire, immediately launched an operation to bring the flames under control and prevent the inferno from spreading.

The affected businesses included a herbal shop, nail and hair salon, fish and chips shop and a bed shop.
Although four businesses were extensively affected, authorities managed to prevent the fire from spreading further through the busy CBD.

The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage remain subject to further investigation.