One man sustained third degree burns and two more others also received medical treatment when a fire broke out on Tuesday (14 October) at Orchard Agri in Field Street, Worcester.
Orchard Agri is a South African agricultural company that supplies equipment, chemicals, and services to the farming sector, with a special focus on orchards and vineyards.
According to Hannelie Botha, a spokesperson for Breede Valley Municipality (BVM), the Worcester Fire Department received an emergency call at 13:29 about a building being alight at 5 Field Street, Worcester.
Botha said upon arrival, firefighters found the building well alight.
She said fire suppression operations commenced at 13:45 and continued for several hours due to the extent of the fire and the materials involved.
At approximately 23:00 the fire was brought under control after which crews conducted extensive damping-down operations to prevent any potential flare-ups.
She said the fire engines returned to the station at 23:40.
According to Botha the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. “However, preliminary observations indicate that the fire originated from one of the machines inside the premises.
“Further investigation will determine the specific circumstances that led to the ignition.”
Botha said besides the man who sustained third-degree burns, another male suffered a broken ankle while attempting to evacuate the building. According to her both of these individuals were transported to hospital prior to the arrival of the fire brigade.
According to Botha a third male experienced severe smoke inhalation and was later transported to hospital by Emergency Medical Services for further medical treatment.
Standard approached the company for comment on the incident, but a representative indicated that they will release a press statement at a later stage.
