Blaze Destroys 23 Buses at Star Line Depot in Mabopane

Windy conditions fuel massive fire as emergency teams race to save remaining fleet

A devastating fire tore through the Star Line Bus Company depot in Mabopane, just north of Pretoria, on Tuesday afternoon, gutting 23 buses and leaving a trail of scorched metal and financial devastation in its wake.

The fire, which broke out shortly after midday, was first reported as a grassfire, but quickly escalated when flames reached buses parked tightly together in the open depot yard. Within minutes, the inferno had engulfed much of the fleet.

Rapid response under tough conditions

Lindsay Mnguni, spokesperson for the City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department, said the fire was reported around 12:16pm. Crews from Mabopane, Rosslyn, and Wonderboom fire stations rushed to the scene with foam tenders, fire engines, an aerial ladder, and a district command unit.

Thanks to their swift and coordinated effort, firefighters managed to save 14 buses from the advancing flames and contain the grassfire before it could spread further.

“The windy conditions exacerbated the fire spread, but the swift actions of the firefighters helped to stop the fire from spreading,” said Mnguni.

No injuries, but massive financial losses

Miraculously, no one was injured in the blaze. But for the Star Line Bus Company, the loss of 23 buses is a heavy blow particularly in an industry where fleet size is critical for maintaining routes and public contracts.

The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and an investigation is now underway, led by police and fire safety officials.

Community left shaken

Residents in the area described scenes of thick black smoke and a strong chemical odour as the buses burned. Several took to social media to share videos and express disbelief.

“This is a huge loss for our community,” wrote one Facebook user from Mabopane. “Those buses are how many of us get to work every day.”

Others praised the emergency responders, saying the damage could have been far worse if not for their quick arrival.

A call for fire safety vigilance

Mnguni urged the public to remain vigilant, especially during dry and windy weather, which increases the risk of grassfires spreading rapidly to nearby structures and vehicles.

He reminded residents to report fires or rescue emergencies immediately by dialing 107 (toll-free) or 012 358 6300/6400.

“Please remain calm when calling, know your location, and give a correct contact number so responders can reach you if needed,” he advised.

What comes next for Star Line?

The Star Line Bus Company has not yet released a statement, but with nearly two dozen buses destroyed, operations are expected to be severely impacted. It’s unclear whether insurance will cover the full cost of the damages or how soon services can resume.

This incident highlights the vulnerability of public transport infrastructure in townships and the urgent need for better fire prevention strategies, especially in open-air depots.

As investigations continue, Mabopane residents wait anxiously for answers and for solutions to prevent another fire like this from happening again.