Germiston factory fire: Thousands flee as streets close due to hazardous conditions
Firefighters battled a blaze at a rubber recycling factory in Germiston South on Thursday after thousands of litres of diesel caught alight during a delivery, forcing nearby streets to be temporarily closed.
Image: Supplied
A large factory fire at a rubber recycling company in Germiston South on Thursday morning forced workers to flee and led to the temporary closure of surrounding streets as firefighters battled volatile flames and diesel runoff.
The City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) confirmed that firefighters were dispatched at 10 am to a structural fire at the intersection of Railway and Power streets.
DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi said flames and thick black smoke were visible on arrival, with diesel fumes covering the area and placing nearby businesses at risk.
Firefighters battleda blaze at a rubber recycling factory in Germiston South on Thursday after thousands of litres of diesel caught alight during a delivery, forcing nearby streets to be temporarily closed.
Image: Supplied
“The primary responding team from Germiston Central Fire Station found a well-alight structure with flames and heavy dense carbon smoke emitted from the burning building, with diesel fuel covering the atmosphere,” said Ntladi.
Fire crews from Germiston, Primrose, Wadeville and surrounding stations were deployed to the scene. A total of five fire stations responded, supported by 31 firefighters and six fire engines.
According to Ntladi, the fire involved about 15,000 litres of diesel fuel stored in plastic reservoir tanks, which caught alight during a delivery.
“Due to diesel runoff, the fire spread onto the surfaces of Railway and Power streets before flowing into the stormwater drainage system. Streets had to be temporarily closed for traffic flow and the safety of pedestrians,” he said.
Swift action by firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading further and potentially becoming catastrophic. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
Part of the factory sustained extensive damage.
Firefighters battled a blaze at a rubber recycling factory in Germiston South on Thursday after thousands of litres of diesel caught alight during a delivery, forcing nearby streets to be temporarily closed.
Image: Supplied
It is alleged that the fire may have been caused by a spark produced during the delivery of diesel fuel by a tanker. However, Ntladi said fire safety officers are conducting a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the blaze.
Environmental remediation is under way, with Spill Tech and City of Ekurhuleni environmental officials on site for mop-up and rehabilitation operations.
“The swift intervention by firefighters prevented what could have been a catastrophic incident,” Ntladi said.
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