Watch: Fire destroys shops at flea market
Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire which partially destroyed the East Rand Traders Square on North Rand Road.
The fire broke out on Thursday afternoon, May 23, leading to the destruction of three shops at the flea market, according to the centre management.
East Rand Traders Square’s Ronal Sourmuthi said on Friday morning that the worst had been avoided.
“There were no injuries and the damage to the structure was minimal.
“The fire was immediately brought under control. The police are now investigating the cause, and business has this morning returned to normal.”
Moments after the fire erupted, dozens of onlookers gathered outside the centre, took photographs and videos of the centre engulfed in flames and shared them on social media platforms. The videos and photos show part of the centre’s interior in flames and clouds of smoke leaping through the corrugated iron roof.
Traders could also be seen trying to extinguish the fire using a hosepipe in an attempt to save the property and their goods.
https://www.facebook.com/riaane7/videos/2366741660051479/UzpfSTE2NTE2MTg5MzUzMjA4MDoyMjg0NjA4MTM4MjU0MTAx/
Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) confirmed the incident.
William Ntladi, district manager media liaison of the Emergency Services, said swift intervention, bravery, tactical approach by City of Ekurhuleni`s firefighters, saved what was to be a disastrous structural fire in Boksburg Flea Market.
“Firefighting crews from Leon Ferreira and Primrose fire stations respectively, managed to extinguish the well alight structure where two shops selling various items such as cellphones, shoes, and clothes were engulfed by flames,” said Ntladi.
“A signal was received at 4.30pm and crews from both fire stations, responded promptly to the scene opposite East Rand Mall. On arrival, shop owners in the neighbourhood were found battling to contain the flames and salvaging of items from their shops.
“Immediately, firefighters initiated offensive flame knockdown strategy and in no time, fire was contained and extinguished.
“Three fire engines, two major industrial fire pumpers and a brand-new water tanker from Primrose, were used on scene in facilitating the entire fire operations. Water was sourced from the nearby hydrants and sustainability of supply was maintained.”
“Other supporting resources on scene assisted where necessary in accordance to their responsibilities.”
He said a search and rescue was conducted, and two patients with minor injuries were accounted for.
“Pre-hospital medical treatment was conducted to both but unfortunately, the injured refused transportation to medical facilities.
“The operation was called off at 5.45pm. Shops in the neighbourhood were saved even though the contents suffered smoke and water damages.”
He said the cause of the fire is undetermined and still under investigations.
