The roads surrounding a business complex in the north of Pretoria have been closed after a fire broke out at a butchery on Wednesday afternoon.
This was as paramedics received reports of gas containers inside the premises which might explode.
Motorists were urged to avoid Breed and Calliandra streets surrounding the Zambezi Junction business complex in Montana Park.
The cause of the fire at Rump and Ocean Meat Packers, which is believed to have started around 13:00, is unclear at this stage.
However, residents in the area reported hearing an explosion shortly before the smoke appeared.
Pro Med Emergency Medical services spokesperson Michael Gough said the roads were closed to allow Tshwane EMS to put out the fire.
Gough said this was for the safety of the public as there were reports of gas containers inside the premises.
“We received the call just after 13:00 with reports that several explosions were heard inside the building.
“Currently, there are three fire pumpers, one fire ladder and one water support vehicle on scene.”
Life Med spokesperson Dean Slater added that several fire engines were on the scene, fighting the fire that is almost under control.
“All volatile gas substances have been moved,” said Slater.
“Multiple services are on the scene and no injuries have been reported from outside the building.”
Slater highlighted that paramedics were not allowed to enter the building as the fire is still being extinguished and cannot comment on what they will find inside.
When Rekord visited the scene, we were advised to leave the area by emergency services who said gas bottles near the fire could explode.
Tshwane emergency services spokesperson Charles Mabaso said the scene was still ongoing and the cause of the fire could not yet be established.
The rest of the business complex was closed by emergency services and the fire had not spread to other businesses.
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