By ONN Reporter
DURBAN – A woman was rescued after being trapped inside a burning church in Umbilo on Wednesday night.
EThekwini Fire and Emergency Services responded to a fire at a double-storey building on the corner of Umbilo Road and Che Guevara Road at about 20h20 on 14 October.
On arrival, firefighters found both floors of the building alight. The ground floor housed a tyre fitment centre with stored tyres, while the upper floor was occupied by a church.
Working through intense heat, thick smoke and highly combustible material, firefighters entered the building and rescued a woman trapped inside the church. She was treated on scene for smoke inhalation and taken to hospital for further care.
Fire crews brought the blaze under control within 10 minutes of arrival and prevented it from spreading to neighbouring properties. No other injuries or fatalities were reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but preliminary information suggests an incendiary device may have been thrown at the building.
Fire investigators remain on scene. The municipality has urged business owners storing flammable materials to ensure fire safety measures are in place.
Residents can report emergencies on 031 361 0000.
