At least 12 trading stores were completely gutted in the blaze.
Image: eThekwini Municipality
The China Mall in Springfield, Durban is closed after a massive blaze damaged stores in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The fire comes after the Labour department last December issued a second prohibition notice to the building owners related to building work taking place on the first and second floors.
In a statement on the fire, the eThekwini Municipality said firefighters from eThekwini Fire Services Directorate worked tirelessly to extinguish the fire that damaged several stores.
“At around 02:10, the City’s Emergency Services Directorate received a distress call, prompting the immediate deployment of more than 25 firefighters, supported by teams from four northern fire stations. Firefighters arrived on scene to find a fierce blaze already tearing through the complex.
The China Mall in Springfield, Durban has been closed after a fire gutted several stores.
Image: eThekwini Municipality
“Despite intense heat, heavy smoke, and rapidly collapsing structures, rescue teams fought relentlessly for several hours to contain the inferno. A total of 14 trading units were affected, with 12 completely destroyed and two severely damaged,” the municipality said.
The City said no injuries or fatalities have been reported. It added that Fire and Emergency Services, Metro Police, and SAPS still on site to monitor and secure the area, and manage traffic and public safety.
It took several teams of firefighters to contain the blaze in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Image: eThekwini Municipality
The China Mall will remain closed until further notice, the City said.
“Investigators have begun assessments to determine the cause of the blaze, which remains unknown at this stage. Due to significant structural damage, China Mall is currently closed until further notice to allow for comprehensive safety inspections, forensic investigations, and clean-up operations.
“The municipality expresses its sympathy to all those affected and is working with mall management to provide support where necessary.”
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