Fire destroys packaging factory in Sebenza
"When we arrived at the scene, the roof of the building had already caved in, which is a clear indication that emergency personnel were not called in time."
Superb Packaging CC was destroyed in a blaze in the early hours of September 15 in Sebenza.
Mr William Tladi, the Ekurhuleni Emergency Services spokesperson, said the emergency services received the call at 4.55am and the EMS arrived at the scene at about 5.10am.
“When we arrived at the scene, the roof of the building had already caved in, which is a clear indication that emergency personnel were not called in time. Had the fire been reported on time, we would have managed to control the damage,” said Mr Tladi.
When the NEWS arrived at the scene, the fire brigade had managed to control the blaze.
The Kempton Park Fire Station was the first to arrive at the scene as they are the closest.
“The Edenvale Fire Station, Commercia Fire Station and Boksburg also came to assist with the fire. Paramedics were also on-site to help with any situation that may arise but there were no injuries,” said Mr Tladi.
Mr Tladi said it was difficult to establish what caused the fire as the emergency personnel were still making sure the fire was under control.
He said as soon as they arrived at the scene, they tried to prevent the blaze from affecting the other, nearby factories.
“There was a truck that had already caught fire and had started to burn, but we managed to contain it. There was a liquid reservoir tank that was found on the premises, next to the building, but we managed to save it,” said Mr Tladi.
Mr Tladi advised companies to always ensure that all employees are aware of which numbers to call in an emergency situation.
“For me it does not make sense to call the owners of the factory before notifying emergency services. The sooner we are informed of an emergency situation, the sooner help can arrive at the scene,” he said.
One of the factory owners, Mr Clinton Pinder, said they received the call at about 4.40am from security personnel.
“When we arrived at about 5.10am, the factory was already engulfed in flames and the fire brigade had not arrived yet,” said Mr Pinder.
The Sebenza SAPS communications officer, Constable Sharon Mahamba-Tsotsotso, was also at the scene.
She was informed about the fire as she arrived for work in the morning and rushed to the scene.
“When I arrived, the fire brigade was already working and trying to extinguish the blaze,” said Const Tsotsotso.
