Four people have died after a fire broke out in the early hours of Friday morning in Delft on the Cape Flats, destroying several structures.

 

Emergency teams from Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services responded to the blaze after receiving reports that multiple structures were on fire. According to fire officials, the flames damaged three structures including a fruit and vegetable stall, a makeshift gym and a gas cylinder outlet.

 

Spokesperson Jermaine Carelse said firefighters worked to secure the area due to the presence of gas cylinders near the burning structures.

 

“Three structures comprising a fruit and vegetable stall, a gym and a gas cylinder outlet were damaged. Approximately 24 cylinders were removed and placed on the pavement away from the hot zone,” Carelse reported.

 

During the firefighting operation, emergency crews discovered the bodies of four adult men inside the makeshift gym. The victims had sustained fatal burn injuries.

 

Authorities say the cause of the fire has not yet been determined. The matter has been handed over to the South African Police Service for further investigation.

 

According to SABC News, police are now working to establish how the blaze started and whether any other factors may have contributed to the incident.

 

Fires in densely populated communities on the Cape Flats remain a serious concern, as informal structures and the use of gas cylinders can increase the risk of rapid fire spread.

 

Authorities have urged residents to follow safety precautions when using gas equipment and open flames while investigations into the Delft fire continue.