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KOMBI CATCHES FIRE ON WAY TO FILLING STATION

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NHLANGANO – There was panic at a busy area in Nhlangano when a kombi caught fire while driving towards a filling station yesterday.


Bystanders said the incident happened just after the driver had made a turn towards the Galp Filling Station situated between the Nhlangano Market and the Tobacco Cooperative Complex shortly after 9am.
“The kombi was going towards the filling station when I saw flames and smoke coming out from the front. The driver also alighted within that moment, probably to make an inspection but it was a bit too late,” narrated a hairdresser, who was among the first eyewitnesses.


She said suddenly the flames engulfed the kombi and spread to the interior.
According to the witness, within seconds, the whole vehicle was engulfed in flames.
Sensing danger, the filling station attendants quickly shut off petrol pumps as soon as they saw the kombi in flames.
Another eyewitness said the fuel attendants were the first to spot the burning vehicle. She said there was commotion at the filling station the moment they noticed the automobile had caught fire.
“Some were shouting for the driver not to come closer to the pumps,” said the witness.


Information gathered was that the petrol attendants reacted instantly, with others reaching for a fire extinguisher.
They tried to douse the flames while a call was made to the local fire station. Other motorists moved in and assisted but all in vain, as the intensity of the heat forced everyone to retreat.
Seconds thereafter the kombi was entirely engulfed in the flames, and a thick cloud of smoke also filled the air.


The fire was eventually put out after the arrival of firefighters. It took approximately 20 minutes to douse the flames, and by then the vehicle was severely damaged.
The incident attracted a number of onlookers, especially after the sound of crushing glass grew louder.
Most vegetable vendors plying their trade at the nearby market chose to watch from a distance.

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