Two Rescuers Injured as Structural Collapse Occurs During Massive Edenvale Auto Spares Warehouse Blaze

Two firefighters were injured after a wall collapsed during a blaze at an auto spares shop in Edenvale. Van Riebeeck Road remains closed as crews battle the fire.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 10, 2026, 8:44 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from EWN

Emergency Response to Midday Industrial Fire

Firefighters from the City of Ekurhuleni were dispatched late Tuesday morning to combat a significant blaze that erupted at a commercial auto parts facility in Edenvale. The fire, which reportedly started around 11:00 am, quickly engulfed the structure, leading to the eventual cave-in of the building's roof. Thick black smoke dominated the skyline above the industrial zone for several hours as crews worked to prevent the flames from spreading to adjacent properties. Emergency teams, supported by private security and local law enforcement, established a perimeter as the fire burned through the shop's inventory of flammable automotive components.

Structural Failure Results in Personnel Injuries

The intensity of the fire led to a critical structural failure that resulted in injuries to two responders on the scene. According to an Ekurhuleni Emergency Services spokesperson, a wall collapsed directly onto two private firefighters who were attempting to assist in the containment efforts. The individuals were trapped under the debris and suffered injuries primarily to their lower bodies. While the specific severity of their wounds is still being assessed by medical teams, they were reported to be in stable condition following their rescue from the rubble.

Traffic Diversions and Public Safety Perimeters

In response to the escalating situation, the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department implemented an immediate closure of Van Riebeeck Road. Motorists were diverted away from the busy thoroughfare to provide unrestricted access for water tankers and ambulances. The scene remained heavily populated throughout the afternoon by a combined force of municipal emergency services, private security firms, and traffic officials. Authorities have advised members of the public to avoid the area entirely until the smoke clears and the remaining structure is deemed safe by building inspectors.