Firefighters Injured While Rescuing Six from Durban Factory Blaze

Two firefighters were injured and six people rescued after a devastating blaze engulfed a shoe manufacturing factory in Jacobs, south of Durban, in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The factory, located on Brooklyn Road, caught alight after what was initially reported as a bush or rubbish fire erupted into a full-scale industrial inferno, triggering explosions and partial structural collapse.

Early Morning Chaos: Explosion and Rapid Spread

According to the eThekwini Municipality, a rescue pumper from Mobeni Fire Station was first on the scene and quickly realised the fire was far more serious than first believed.

“Thick black smoke was already billowing from the industrial site. Flames were visible through the roof of the factory, prompting a call for additional firefighting units,” said Gugu Sisilana, municipal spokesperson.

The factory manufactures shoes and sandals across multiple connected buildings, and had previously suffered extensive damage in a fire in December 2019.

Rescue and Heroism: Six People Saved

While initial reports confirmed that staff had safely evacuated, a distress call revealed that six individuals were trapped in a southern section of the factory.

Firefighters deployed a ground ladder to reach the first floor and successfully rescued all six, before returning to contain the fire.

“The focus was immediately on life safety, containing the flames, and preventing further spread to nearby buildings,” said Sisilana.

Injuries and Explosion During Operations

During the firefighting efforts, a sudden explosion rocked the main structure, causing a partial collapse and high-pressure flame burst.

Though no crew members were inside the building at the time, two firefighters suffered second-degree burns from the blast and were treated by KwaZulu-Natal Emergency Medical Services before being transported to hospital.

The fire took three hours to fully contain, with at least four rescue pumpers, two water carriers, and aerial ladder support called in to tackle the blaze.

Community Safety Concerns Sparked

Nearby residents in Wentworth, especially those living close to the industrial zone, have expressed growing concerns about safety following the incident.

Ward 68 Councillor Aubrey Snyman said a community meeting with factory owners will be scheduled soon.

“The smoke was intense and the explosion rattled nearby homes. We need accountability and safety assurances,” said Snyman.

The eThekwini Municipality has assured the public that all industrial sites are routinely inspected for compliance with Environmental Health and Fire Safety Regulations.

What Happens Next

Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire, which remains unclear, though foul play is not suspected at this stage.

The injured firefighters remain in stable condition, and their efforts — along with the full response team — have been widely praised for preventing a potential mass casualty event.

This incident has reignited debate about industrial fire safety, emergency preparedness, and the need for regular compliance audits in Durban’s southern factory belt.

{Source: IOL}

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