Devastating fire ravages Star Line Bus Company depot, leaving 23 buses burnt

A fire broke out at the Star Line Bus Company depot in Mabopane, north of Pretoria, on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in the destruction of over 20 buses.

The blaze, which was initially reported as a grassfire just after midday, escalated swiftly into a major incident as firefighters arrived to find several buses ablaze in the open yard.

Lindsay Mnguni, spokesperson for the City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department, confirmed that the proximity of the parked buses and windy conditions contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

Firefighters from nearby stations, including Mabopane, Rosslyn, and Wonderboom, mobilised immediately, deploying an arsenal of firefighting resources.

Two foam tenders, two fire engines, an aerial ladder, and a district commander’s unit were all brought to bear on the inferno.

“The windy conditions exacerbated the fire spread, but the swift actions of the firefighters helped to successfully stop the fire from spreading and further damaging these 14 other buses,” Mnguni said.

Firefighters managed to salvage 14 buses despite the overwhelming destruction.

There were no reported injuries stemming from the incident. However, the losses to the bus company are considerable, with a total of 23 buses declared burnt, some of which are almost entirely destroyed.

While the investigation into the cause of the fire remains ongoing, Mnguni urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any fire or rescue incidents promptly.

“When reporting an emergency, please remain calm, speak clearly, know where you are, and provide your correct contact number to the operator,” he added.

The devastation at the Star Line Bus Company came as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of emergencies, reinforcing the need for awareness and preparedness in the community. 

DAILY NEWS