By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@RichardDavis.
The management of Carnival City hotel and casino in Brakpan, east of Johannesburg, says the building is safe to use after they were given the green light by authorities to reopen.
A fire broke out on Saturday outside the main entrance at the port cochere – leading to the evacuation of guests and customers.
In a statement, General Manager Annemie Turk said the fire was not caused by a deliberate or malicious act.
“Carnival City can reassure all guests that the fire which broke out on Saturday evening was fully extinguished after 15 minutes and did not spread to the interior of the building.
“Authorities have given the casino all-clear to reopen for trade, but guests are requested to use the Welcome Centre entrance. The exact cause of the fire still needs to be determined.”
CARNIVAL CITY FIRE was quickly extinguished by the City’s Brakpan & Benoni central fire stations, backed by Tsakane fire station, who responded to the call just before 19h00 tonight. No casualties recorded.#CoEWorks pic.twitter.com/Ry5Ik876g9
— CITY OF EKURHULENI (@City_Ekurhuleni) February 5, 2022
City of Ekurhuleni emergency services said the fire is suspected to have been caused by an electrical short circuit.
“On investigation, it was found that Fibreglass material from outside … caught alight, suspected to have been caused by an electrical short circuit, “said City of Ekurhuleni emergency services spokesperson William Ntladi.
Ntladi said the fire alarm went off at 6.40pm on Saturday.
“Brakpan and Benoni central fire stations backed by Tsakane fire station, all responded swiftly to the scene. On arrival, offensive fire suppression was conducted and flames knocked down. Damping down was conducted and scene declared safe,” he said.
Ntladi said firefighters responded with a fleet of four fire engines and 24 personnel.