Factory fire safety concerns for Wentworth residents

A GROUP of Wentworth homeowners bordering the Jacobs Industrial area, where a factory was gutted by a fire, said they were concerned about their safety.

- ZAINUL DAWOOD

According to a report from the eThekwini Municipality, two firemen sustained second-degree burns, and six people were rescued by firefighters on Monday.

The factory, located on Brooklyn Road, manufactures shoes and sandals.

In December 2019, a significant portion of the building was destroyed by a fire and has since been rebuilt. In 2018, a fire also destroyed another portion of the premises.

During attempts to extinguish the fire on Monday, an explosion erupted from the main structure, and although no firefighters were inside, two members were injured, said Gugu Sisilana, spokesperson for the municipality.

"An extension of the same factory on the northern side, used for storing shoe products and machinery, had also ignited. The factory to the south remained protected by favourable winds, and while nearby residential homes to the east weren't threatened by flames, they were heavily affected by smoke," Sisilana said.

She said that factory managers confirmed all staff were evacuated, and no injuries were initially reported, but the firefighters received a report of persons trapped in the southern factory.