UPDATE: Mosque Saved as Fire Blazes Close to Durban’s Iconic Landmark
Firefighters in Durban have managed to save the famous Juma Masjid Mosque in Denis Hurley Street (formerly Grey Street) from being engulfed by flames. Five apartments in a neighbouring building were also saved as the fire blazed on Monday afternoon. It is believed that the fire began at around midday in a building beside the […]
Firefighters in Durban have managed to save the famous Juma Masjid Mosque in Denis Hurley Street (formerly Grey Street) from being engulfed by flames. Five apartments in a neighbouring building were also saved as the fire blazed on Monday afternoon.
It is believed that the fire began at around midday in a building beside the mosque. Many reports in South Africa said the mosque was on fire, but the Chief Trustee of the Mosque has confirmed that the mosque was saved by the firefighting efforts.
The mosque – which is situated at the corner of Denis Hurley and Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street (formerly Queen Street) in Durban’s CBD, is reportedly the largest mosque in Africa, and is an iconic landmark in eThekwini.
The chief trustee of the Mosque AV Mahomed has confirmed the mosque was not affected:
https://www.facebook.com/Nabz.Shaikh/videos/pcb.10223351064626941/10223351053266657/?type=3&theater
A residential apartment building, close to the mosque, in Denis Hurley Street caught fire. The cause of the fire is not yet known. Social cohesion advocate Yusuf Abramjee posted several videos of the flames and crowds of spectators gathered (without social distancing). He and others, including traffic reporter Rob Beezy, reported that the fire was at the mosque. The footage shows paramedics, police and fire fighters on the scene.
In a later tweet, Abramjee said: “Initial cause is being reported as a gas stove explosion in an apartment. Today marked the opening of the midday prayers. The main Mosque area remains unaffected.”
Residents of the burning building were evacuated. Paramedic Garrith Jamieson confirmed to East Coast Radio (ECR) that several people have been treated for smoke inhalation. There are no other reported injuries.
https://www.facebook.com/Nabz.Shaikh/videos/pcb.10223351064626941/10223351220870847/?type=3&theater
Rescue Care paramedics confirmed “a fire has ripped through a building on Grey Street in Durban Central on Monday afternoon just after 12pm.” The Paramedics say they responded to several calls for help.”
The South African Police Service (SAPS) will be investigating further.
Durban – FIRE at a Mosque on Grey Street in the CBD area pic.twitter.com/iilkePxgex
— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) August 24, 2020
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) August 24, 2020