Emergency Services are still on scene of the massive fire with broke out at an cooking oil refinery earlier this morning.
The fire started at about 5am this morning at the refinery and then spread to an adjacent paint factory. The fire which had been burning for several hours is now mostly contained but with several hot spots still smouldering.
Several people have been injured in the blaze. Earlier this morning one person was injured and was treated by paramedics from KZN Emergency Medical Services. Since then several fire fighters have been injured, they have sustained mostly minor injuries and have been treated on scene before being transported to hospital.
The fire burnt for several hours and earlier this morning the intense heat could be felt from across the road, which has been closed since the fire started. The large column of smoke from the fire was visible from as far away as Amanzimtoti. While the fire was burning several explosions could be heard, but it is not known what exploded were caused by at this stage. Now that some of the smoke has cleared it can be seen that large sections of both properties were severely damaged, with burnt tankers, trucks and equipment being visible through the main gate. The burnt and twisted metal roof structures can also be seen from the road side.
The cause of the blaze is not known at this stage and investigators from the department of labour and fire department are on scene.
For more information please contact:
Robert Mckenzie
Media Liaison Officer: Emergency Medical Services
