A fire at Pilanesberg International Airport in the North West gutted a thatched structure on Tuesday afternoon.
The provincial community safety department said officials at the airport, near Sun City, reported smoke around midday, but could not initially detect its source.
Further investigation, however, showed smoke coming from the top of the building, close to the Air Traffic Control Tower. "Some airport personnel rushed to the tower and tried to extinguish the fire. However, the flames engulfed the area and, in seconds, the thatched roof of the airport caved in. Personnel tried in vain to put it out, but the structure was completely gutted," said the department. Fire departments from Sun City and Rustenburg eventually extinguished the blaze.
Community safety MEC Sello Lehari and the acting head of department, Mpho Maleme, were at the scene, and instituted an investigation.We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred In times of uncertainty you need journalism you can trust. For 14 free days, you can have access to a world of in-depth analyses, investigative journalism, top opinions and a range of features. Journalism strengthens democracy. Invest in the future today. Thereafter you will be billed R75 per month. You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won't be billed.
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