Six foreign nationals killed in Eastern Cape store fire
Six foreign nationals died in a fire at a business premises in Tsomo, Eastern Cape, after an explosion occurred early Tuesday morning. Local police have launched an inquest to determine the cause of the blaze, noting that the victims were trapped inside the building.
Why it matters
The incident raises concerns regarding building safety standards and the vulnerability of foreign nationals living in informal or commercial housing arrangements.
Ask AI 1 min Investigation launched after six foreign nationals die in Eastern Cape fire.
Six foreign nationals died in a devastating fire that engulfed a business premises in Tsomo, Eastern Cape, during the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said the South African Police Service (SAPS) has opened an inquest docket following the incident, which occurred at a store identified as MAA Cash and Carry on Tsomo Main Street.
According to Gantana, officers on patrol at about 3:40am heard a loud explosion near the Tsomo Police Station. They immediately drove to investigate and, after detecting a strong smell of smoke, they traced it to a nearby business premises, where the building was already engulfed in flames.
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