Factory fire leads to traffic mayhem on closed South Coast Road

Congestion caused by authorities responding to the blaze led to the road’s closure from Richard Carte Road to Kenyon Howden.
Durban Fire Department’s fire fighters battled the blaze that engulfed a warehouse near the corner of South Coast and Kenyon Howden roads since 1am.

Fortunately paramedics that responded to the scene had little work, as no-one was injured. While the flames were brought under control by about 6am, multiple fire engines were due to remain for most of the day as firemen continued to dampen hotspots in the building which could potentially pose a further threat.

Montclair resident, Joan May who lives up the road from the factory, said it was odd that she had not heard any sirens or smelled smoke. “Who would have thought that this was happening as we slept? It’s quite frightening. When I went to my daughter’s room and saw all the thick, black smoke around 5am, I got such a shock. But I’m glad nobody was hurt. It reminded of the oil factory fire we had a few years ago (in March 2015). I’m just glad it wasn’t as bad as the last one,” she said.

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It is unclear what caused the fire as authorities were still investigating.