A devastating fire erupted at a workshop on Amakhuzeni Street in Galeshewe on Sunday afternoon, leaving a trail of destruction as more than 10 vehicles awaiting repairs were completely destroyed.
A DEVASTATING fire erupted at a workshop on Amakhuzeni Street in Galeshewe on Sunday afternoon, leaving a trail of destruction as more than 10 vehicles awaiting repairs were completely destroyed.
The fire, which began at approximately 2pm, was first spotted by a group of children playing at a nearby park, who quickly raised the alarm.
The owner and mechanic of the workshop, visibly shaken and distressed, hurried to the scene after being informed of the unfolding disaster.
As thick smoke billowed into the sky, concerned community members wasted no time in springing into action. With no formal firefighting equipment, they worked together, grabbing anything available to try and douse the raging flames while waiting anxiously for the fire brigade and police to arrive.
Video: Boipelo Mere
According to initial reports, the blaze is believed to have originated outside the workshop premises. It spread with alarming speed, consuming the first line of vehicles before it could be brought under control. Thankfully, despite the fire’s rapid progression, over 50 other vehicles parked at the workshop were spared from damage.
When authorities arrived, they were greeted by a chaotic scene as both children and adults scrambled to extinguish the fire. Police officers had to intervene, ensuring the safety of bystanders and managing the frantic crowd.
The situation was further intensified by several explosions that erupted from the burning vehicles, amplifying the danger and urgency of the response.
Once the fire was finally contained, the fire engine had to leave the scene to refill before returning to thoroughly drench the affected vehicles, ensuring no remaining embers could reignite.
Remarkably, no injuries were reported, and despite the devastation, most car owners who arrived at the workshop breathed a sigh of relief when they found their vehicles unharmed by the blaze.
