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A fire at the China mall in Durban’s Springfield area in eThekwini, March 6, 2026
Firefighters in Durban have managed to control the fire, which broke out in the early hours of Friday morning at the Springfield China Mall in Durban.
The eThekwini Fire Services say there were no casualties or injuries reported, but that at least 12 trading units were completely gutted while two others were damaged.
In a statement, the eThekwini municipality says that despite intense heat, heavy smoke, and rapidly collapsing structures, rescue teams, which included 25 firefighters, fought relentlessly for several hours to contain the blaze.
The city says due to significant structural damage, the mall is currently closed until further notice to allow for comprehensive safety inspections, forensic investigations, and clean-up operations.
Divisional Commander, Dallas Danielsen, from eThekwini Municipality Fire Services Directorate, says firefighters responded to the fire at the Mall at 2 o’clock this morning and found the top floor alight.
He says the fire is under control, but that they are still at the scene damping down.
Pictures from the fire, taken by the eThekwini municipality:
