Fire in built environment

Six foreign nationals lost their lives after a fire broke out at a business premises in Tsomo in the early hours of Tuesday morning.Six foreign nationals were killed and one was injured after a massive fire broke out at a shop in the Tsomo CBD in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday.
According to the police, the fire broke out at 03:40 in the morning and the victims were asleep inside the shop at the time.The provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, said the officers responded to the scene after hearing a loud explosion near the Tsomo Police Station. The police detected a strong smell of smoke in the area which led them to the MAA Cash and Carry store.Upon arrival, the members found the building engulfed in flames and rushed to the back of the shop, where they discovered that several people were trapped inside. The officers and private security personnel attempted to enter the premises in an effort to rescue those inside, however, only one person managed to escape.“Officers established that multiple persons were trapped inside the premises. They attempted to gain entry, along with private security personnel and members of the local community who came to assist. Despite their combined rescue efforts, only one person managed to escape. Sadly, six other occupants succumbed to the fire.”“Firefighters arrived on the scene and despite challenges posed by thick smoke and rainy weather, they managed to extinguish the blaze. All six burnt bodies were recovered. The deceased have since been identified by their employer,” said Gantana.The Emergency Medical Services, Provincial Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) and members of the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) were also summoned to the scene.Gantana confirmed that the police have opened an inquest docket into the incident.Police said no foul play is suspected at this stage and the investigation continues.