UPDATE: Central Durban building condemned after massive fire

AFTER a massive fire gutted the China Mall Emporium last week, the eThekwini Municipality has condemned the building.

The fire broke out on Friday, January 21 and firefighters fought the blaze for five days. The acting division commander for the eThekwini Fire Department, Sifiso Mtshali, said the flames were extinguished on Tuesday, January 25.

“Most of the flames were put out, it was just a matter of clearing the smoke. Water mixes with heat and creates steam,” said Mtshali.

Mtshali confirmed that 13 people were injured, some of whom were injured while trying to jump out of the building.

Also read: Fumes from massive Durban fire reach Congela and Berea

In a statement, the eThekwini Municipality’s head of communication, Lindiwe Khuzwayo, said the City will continue to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of the public following.

“The building has been condemned following assessments by structural engineers appointed by the building owners, at the request of eThekwini Municipality. Businesses in the precinct have been evacuated. Some road lanes remain closed as the structural integrity of the building is believed to be compromised,” said Khuzwayo.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area as lane closures have resulted in high traffic volumes on Brook Street and Dr Pixley Ka Seme Street.

 Also read: WATCH: Fire ongoing as 13 injured in central Durban blaze

“Motorists are urged to be patient when driving in the vicinity. Three lanes on Anton Lembede Street remain open, as advised by structural engineers,” said Khuzwayo.

As a safety precaution, the City’s Fire and Emergency Services will maintain a presence near the building.

“The public is urged to avoid the vicinity of the building, if possible, and use alternative routes. The public will be informed if there are further developments,” said the City.

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