DURBAN - The eThekwini Municipality has cautioned residents in the vicinity of the Jacobs fire to remain doors.
The municipality’s warning came after a fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday on Horseshoe Road in Jacobs and claimed the lives of two people.
EThekwini Municipality spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said all emergency personnel were dispatched in response to the blaze.
“The city would like to inform the public that it is aware of the fire that started in the early hours of this morning. All the city’s emergency personnel were dispatched immediately to respond to the blaze.”
Mayisela said it was believed the fire first started at a petrol tanker and then spread to a Transnet pipeline.
“As a result, Transnet has closed all its valves”.
Mayisela said there were two fatalities. “Those within a 500 metre radius were evacuated and there are two fatalities that have been confirmed”.
Mayisela added that residents should remain indoors if smoke was heavy as it posed a health risk.
“Residents are advised to consider remaining indoors if smoke is heavy, especially if they suffer from a respiratory illness, such as asthma, or conditions that lead to increased risk from smoke exposure.”
Advanced Life Support (ALS) Director Garrith Jamieson said ALS paramedics responded to the fire.
“ALS Paramedics Medical Services arrived on the scene to find that EMRS and eThekwini Fire Department were already on the scene and fighting the blaze. One person believed to be an adult male has been confirmed dead.”
Jamieson said the fire could be seen as far away as Glenwood.
“At 6am the eThekwini Fire Department were still on the scene and fighting the blaze which can be seen as far away as Glenwood.”
Jamieson added a second body was later discovered.
“Confirmed a second body has been found dead at above fire. Confirmed by SAPS.”
THE MERCURY