TMG Digital photographer Jackie Clausen was on the scene of a massive fire that tore through a factory on South Coast Road, Durban south, on Friday morning.
The building, which belongs to Transnet, was used to manufacture wax panels and also contained plastics. This sent a wave-like thick black plume of smoke over the city, pushed north by strong winds. The eThekwini municipality said that the fire was under control by Friday afternoon and had not spread to any adjacent buildings.
- SEE MORE: WATCH: Aerial footage shows massive fire at Durban warehouse Fire fighters are battling a blaze at a Durban warehouse.
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One fireman was injured, as the searing heat resulted in his suffering burns on his hands despite wearing protective gear. Another man, a 35-year-old who worked in the factory, suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital.
- READ MORE: Water restrictions hampering efforts to douse Durban warehouse blazeTeams of firefighters battling a warehouse blaze in south Durban have been hampered by water restrictions which initially rendered fire hydrants in the area useless.
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Roads around the building, including two major freeways, were closed on Friday afternoon due to "poor visibility" caused by the smoke.
- READ MORE: Medics on alert for breathing problems as noxious smoke from warehouse blaze blankets south DurbanA noxious cloud of black smoke which continues to billow from a warehouse ablaze in the south Durban basin could result in breathing difficulties‚ according to KZN paramedics.
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Plume of black smoke stretches 20km from Durban warehouse fire