Phoenix residents were awakened by a massive explosion during the early hours of Thursday morning.
Reaction Unit South Africa’s Prem Balram said a gas supply business in Foresthaven Drive was extensively damaged during the fire.
“Residents contacted the Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) Phoenix Operations Centre from 3.14am reporting explosions in the area. Reaction Officers were immediately dispatched and on arrival discovered firefighters battling the blaze. It was established that a premises utilised to store gas cylinders caught alight. Circumstances leading to the fire were not established,” said Mr Balram.
Glen Naidoo from VIP Security said multiple cars and structures were on fire and destroyed.
Mr Naidoo asked residents to stay away from the area in an online plea.
“Please stay away from the area as gas bottles are still exploding. We will re-open the area once it is safe for residents and others,” said Mr Naidoo.
A day earlier, on Wednesday, the scrapyard next door to the gas supply business caught on fire.
KZNVIPs emergency Medical and Response Teams were dispatched together with Fire Department.
“Sadly the yard was well alight with more than 50 vehicles burning and other flammable items. Additional fire trucks were called in from Durban as the fire could be seen from other areas of Phoenix and the sounds of the explosion travelled. Thankfully no serious injuries were sustained during this incident and after almost two hours of fighting the blaze, the fire department managed to extinguish the fire,” said Mr Naidoo.
Nerisha Ramrathan who lives closely by said they heard the explosions.
“It felt like a bomb went off,” she said.
Shaolin Mohanlal said he had just returned home from working the night shift when he experienced the explosion.
“I was outside with my dog and the next minute it was so bright and I saw the explosion. It happened three times. I called the emergency line as fast as I could. I just hope everyone is safe around the area it happened,” said Mr Mohanlal.
Ronica Mary Govender said it was a “scary” experience as they live opposite the premises.
“We were very scared. Gas bottles were landing on our driveway. We could feel the explosion every time it went off. We even felt the heat. Some of the other neighbouring houses had their windows shattered,” said Ms Govender.
