Fire destroys over 60 informal structures in South Africa's Cape Town-Xinhua

Fire destroys over 60 informal structures in South Africa's Cape Town

Source: Xinhua| 2023-03-27 23:42:45|Editor: huaxia

CAPE TOWN, March 27 (Xinhua) -- A fire that tore through an informal settlement in South Africa's coastal city of Cape Town on Sunday night has resulted in the destruction of more than 60 informal structures and the displacement of 200 people, local authorities said Monday.

Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the city's fire and rescue service, said they were alerted of the fire at around 7 p.m. on Sunday, and 70 firefighting staff have been sent to contain the fire.

"Just after midnight, the blaze was contained and extinguished. However, crews were once again confronted by a volatile crowd blocking access to the fire. Law enforcement and the South African Police Service had to be called on to stabilize the situation," said Carelse.

No injuries or fatalities were reported, according to the spokesperson. The cause of the fire is not immediately known.

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