Firefighters, ER24 paramedics and other services attended to a building fire in Field Street, in Durban, on the evening of December 31.
When paramedics and firefighters arrived on the scene they found one of the floors of the building engulfed in flames.
Firefighters immediately began preparations to extinguish the blaze.
While busy extinguishing the fire, three firefighters sustained burn wounds. They were treated for moderate injuries and transported to hospital. It is understood that another firefighter suffered heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation.
A woman, toddler and infant who were found in the building were escorted out of the building by firefighters.
Upon assessment by paramedics it was found that the woman, believed to be about 19 years of age, suffered from smoke inhalation. She was treated and transported to hospital for further medical care. The children were taken to hospital as well for further assessment.
Another woman and a child were trapped on the roof of the building. Firefighters worked tirelessly to bring the two down to safety.
Paramedics assessed them once they were brought down to safety.
It was found that they also suffered from smoke inhalation. They were transported to hospital for further medical care.
The exact cause of what led to the fire is unknown. Authorities were on scene for further investigations.
Chitra Bodasing
ER24 spokesperson
