A devastating fire broke out at Greyhound’s Jet Park depot in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg, on Sunday, destroying three buses and a trailer. The incident occurred near OR Tambo International Airport.
Firefighters Rush to the Scene
According to City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) spokesperson William Ntladi, emergency teams received a distress call reporting buses engulfed in flames. Crews from Boksburg, Leon Ferreira, Albertina, and Primrose fire stations were dispatched.
“Upon arrival, they found three buses and one trailer up in flames and immediately launched a defensive attack on the fire,” Ntladi said.
Containment Efforts
Working alongside the Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) fire rescue team, firefighters managed to contain the blaze before it spread further. Their swift response ensured that two other buses were driven away from the danger zone and spared from destruction.
“The fire was well contained and eventually extinguished by our crews, with assistance from Acsa’s rescue and water tanker teams,” Ntladi confirmed.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains unknown and is under investigation by fire safety officials.
Recent Fire Incidents in Ekurhuleni
This incident comes just days after another major fire in Ekurhuleni, where protestors torched the Department of Home Affairs building in Germiston. The blaze, linked to protests over illegal evictions at Pharoe Park flats, left the two-storey building severely damaged. Four people were arrested in connection with that arson attack.
As a temporary measure, Home Affairs clients in Germiston are being redirected to neighbouring branches, mobile units, and a makeshift car park office to ensure continuity of services.
Greyhound in the Hot Seat
Greyhound, one of South Africa’s most recognized long-distance bus operators, has faced several challenges in recent years, including suspending services during the COVID-19 pandemic before returning to operations. The latest incident at the Jet Park depot adds to the company’s operational setbacks as investigations into the cause of the blaze continue.
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