Watch: Rivonia Boulevard in Sandton is burning [video]
The blaze broke out at Rivonia Blvd and 9th Ave in Sandton, Johannesburg. Several stores are burning and firefighters were reportedly nowhere to be seen.
Footage of the fire in Sandton was shared on social media by Yusuf Abramjee and bystanders. The fire broke out at the corner of Rivonia Boulevard and 9 Ave.
Update: Councillor and MMC for Public Safety in the City of Johannesburg, Michael Sun, confirmed that the Rivonia fire is under control:
“[City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services] managed to bring major fire in Rivonia under control with JMPD [and] other emergency responders assisting.”
He also added that the fire started at a restaurant and spread to other shops. The cause of the blaze is being investigated and residents are urged to avoid the area.
Rivonia Fire: Here’s what we know
Furthermore, several bystanders shared clips of the blaze on Twitter, showing Istanbul Kebab and neighbouring stores engulfed in flames.
The Sandton Times reports that “total damages [are still] unknown”, and that firefighters reportedly took more than an hour to respond. However, TheSouthAfrican.com was unable to confirm these claims.
Injured residents airlifted
According to Emer-G-Med, their teams responded to a gas explosion in Rivonia where several residents sustained injuries.
Furthermore, Emer-G-Med also confirms that firefighters are active at the scene:
“Multiple patients with serious injuries were treated and transported. The Netcare helicopter was activated to airlift the patients. Authorities and the fire department are still on scene.”
A Netcare dispatched a helicopter to airlift injured patients to a nearby hospital. The blaze was spreading fast and one netizen shared footage of the fire on Twitter, along with the caption:
“It seems to have started at the Lebanese restaurant, then Jabu Stone caught fire also. Tiger Wheel & Tyre may be next.”
This is a developing story. More to follow.