FIRE SCARE AT RA OFFICES

NHLANGANO – An electrical fault at the Shiselweni Regional Administration Offices triggered a major emergency response yesterday morning, with services grounding to a halt.

Police and firefighters from Nhlangano responded swiftly after receiving a call at around 11:30am, reporting about a fire at the government offices.

 An issue with the lighting system had caused smoke at the Regional Administrator Themba Masuku’s office, while he was attending to an unnamed client. The fault announced itself by a strange smell that was later followed by the smoke, causing work to grind to a halt.
Staff and clients who had come for various services had to be evacuated, and the offices were shut down temporarily as fire personnel tried to locate the source of the smoke.

Haste

Over 50 people had to leave the building in haste after word was sent around about a possible fire breaking out. The incident also attracted a number of onlookers who came to observe the operation.

“There was also a bit of sparks, so I had to leave the office very quickly. We treat an incident of this nature in a very serious light because the safety of the people is our number one priority. I consider myself without an office for now until there is assurance about the safety of the building,” said Masuku.
He indicated that they had launched a full investigation, in collaboration with the police and the National Fire and Emergency Services. Masuku thanked the various role players who worked tirelessly to ensure everyone in the building was safe.

 There were no injuries reported, according to Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Khulani Mamba, who also confirmed the incident.
It is understood that quick action by emergency personnel prevented what could have been a major disaster at the government offices. Had this incidence occurred, the consequences could have been dire as critical documents relating to the governance of the region are kept inside the offices, as the RA later explained in the aftermath of the incident.

Several other businesses next to the government offices complex would have also been seriously threatened, given the close proximity of a fuel station. Besides, the interior of the offices is divided with a frame wall made of timber, which would have further made it easy for the fire to spread quickly. This was also noted by Senior Fire Officer Morris Simelane, as he made an inspection around the building.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: