A fire in the informal settlement under the N7 bridge in the vicinity of Acacia was reported to Fire & Rescue Services at 00:47 this morning. Fire & Rescue Services were on the scene by 00:52.

Approximately 70 structures were destroyed and an estimated 200 persons displaced. Two men were killed in the fire.

The structure of the bridge under which the settlement was situated was exposed to considerable heat radiation and sustained serious damage.

The victims of the fire were assisted with meals and blankets by the Disaster Risk Management Centre, Provincial Social Services and Poverty Alleviation, and HDI Support. Options for Emergency shelter is being investigated by the City's Sport and Recreation Department as well as the Department of Public Works - the owner of the land on which the settlement was situated. The Human Settlement Services Department of the City will be offering the fire victims options in terms of permanent resettlement.

The area in which the settlement was situated is not considered safe for rebuilding as pieces of concrete are still falling from the bridge. The resettlement of the area will also pose an unacceptably high risk to public safety in general, as three fires have already occurred in the settlement and future damage to the bridge could result in total structural failure and resultant capital costs in replacing the bridge.

Vanguard Drive will remain closed between Frans Conradie and the N1 until peak traffic tomorrow afternoon while arrangements are being finalised to reinforce the bridge.

The public will be informed of traffic arrangements through normal traffic announcements on the radio stations.

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Issued by:
Directorate: Communication and Marketing
City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 400 2201
Fax: 021 957 0023

Disaster Risk Management Centre
City Of Cape Town

Media queries:
Disaster Risk Management Centre
Johan Minnie 084 220 0074