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eThekwini fire crew attacked after responding to informal settlement fire
An eThekwini Fire and Emergency Services crew was attacked after responding to an informal settlement fire on Saturday, 23 January 2021. Raj Sewsunker, regional commander, Northern Region at eThekwini Fire and Emergency Services said, “Whilst the crew were returning to station after dealing with an Informal dwelling fire in the Hammarsdale area of Durban, the fire engine got bogged down in soft sand and was immobilised. While awaiting the arrival of a tow truck, at approximately 21h30 the crew were accosted by unknown armed persons and were robbed of their personal belongings. Two of the crew members were assaulted. South African Police Service, Metro Police and a Netcare ambulance arrived to assist the crew. The two assaulted members were treated by Netcare and taken to hospital for further treatment. They were treated at hospital and discharged the same night. There was no damage to the fire engine but the two crew members sustained injuries to the head. Challenges included the location of the fire, which occurred in a rural informal area that has narrow sand roads that presented potential hazard for heavy vehicles.”
Source: Raj Sewsunker, regional commander, Northern Region, eThekwini Fire and Emergency Services |
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