A total of 12 trading units were completely destroyed at the Springfield China Mall, following a fire that broke out this morning.
Image: Supplied
Firefighters in Durban worked through the early hours of Saturday morning to contain a massive blaze that ripped through the China Mall in Springfield, leaving several trading units destroyed.
The eThekwini Fire Services Directorate said crews were dispatched shortly after a distress call was received at around 2.10am.
More than 25 firefighters from four northern fire stations were deployed to the scene at the popular trading complex north of Durban.
25 Firefighters from four northern fire stations were deployed to the scene.
Image: Supplied
When emergency teams arrived, the fire had already spread rapidly through parts of the mall.
Firefighters battled intense heat, thick smoke, and collapsing structures for several hours as they worked to bring the blaze under control.
Officials said 14 trading units were affected by the fire, with 12 completely destroyed and 2 severely damaged.
Despite the scale of the inferno, authorities confirmed that no injuries or fatalities have been reported.
Officials said 14 trading units were affected by the fire, with 12 completely destroyed and 2 severely damaged.
Image: Supplied
The eThekwini Municipality credited the swift response and determination of emergency teams for preventing a potentially far worse outcome.
Emergency services, including eThekwini Metro Police and the South African Police Service, remained on site on Saturday morning to secure the area, monitor the scene and manage traffic and public safety around the complex.
Investigators have begun assessing the damage and are working to determine the cause of the fire, which remains unknown at this stage.
Due to the extent of the structural damage, China Mall has been closed until further notice to allow for safety inspections, forensic investigations and clean-up operations.
Municipal officials said they sympathise with traders and businesses affected by the blaze and are working with mall management to provide support where possible.
IOL