AFM News
Gqeberha firefighters were applauded on social media for speedily bringing a massive blaze at a chemical factory under control on Thursday.
At least two people were injured and three businesses suffered damage after the fire broke out at one of the businesses off Lindsey Road.
Videos doing the rounds on social media showed a large plume of black smoke rising into the air, with audible sounds of gas bottles exploding.
An eyewitness, who works in a building close to the site, said chaos ensued when he stepped out for his lunch break.
"I heard a loud bang and then I saw flames. People started running out of the building. Next thing, the drums started exploding."
"One drum shot through the roof and went about three storeys high into the air," he said.
Municipal spokesperson, Mamela Ndamase said the fire department received a call of a building fire at Buitekant Street, in the Marais township at 13:12.
"The first emergency services vehicle arrived at 13:16. One of the officers on the scene reported that the building contained flammable liquids."
According to Ndamase, a house at the back of the building was also damaged.
"The fire was extinguished by 15:39. Investigations are still underway to determine the cause of the blaze," she said.
