|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You Are
Here: |
Local News|
Tuesday, January 25, 2005 - Web posted at 7:48:00 GMT Gustav Voigts on fire TANJA BAUSEHUNDREDS of people were evacuated from the Gustav Voigts Centre in the Windhoek city centre when a fire broke out on the ground floor yesterday afternoon. |
|
Thick smoke billowed out of the landmark building as teams of firemen raced to bring the blaze under control and people fled potential danger. The fire brigade had to make forays into the building in shifts because of the density of the smoke. As one team came out to catch their breath and take precautions against dehydration, another team took over the firefighting. Team after team came and went until the fire was eventually brought under control. All available fire trucks and firefighters, including trainees, were called out to the emergency. According to Dieter Voigts and Danie de Wet of Joseph and Snyman, the fire is believed to have started in the Cauldron Restaurant and quickly spread to adjacent shops. However, staff of the restaurant claimed it started in a shop next door. They said staff from that shop ran out, and restaurant staff then also fled the scene. The fire brigade was on the scene within minutes. Both floors of the Gustav Voigts Centre and the Kalahari Sands Hotel were evacuated, not only because of the possibility that the fire could spread, but also because of the thick smoke that was billowing out of all the entrances, including the parking garage. No injuries were reported, and at the time of going to press the cost of the damage had not yet been assessed. It was the first building blaze for the 30 fire brigade trainees called in to help. "This is our first building fire, we are only used to grass fires," said one trainee. Namib Dairies immediately donated bottled water, while Hochland Park Spar sponsored chocolates and sports drinks for the firefighters to prevent dehydration. |
|
||||
PO Box 20783 - Windhoek - 42 John Meinert Street Tel: +264 (61) 279600 - Fax: +264 (61) 279602
|
