The Kimberley Fire Brigade Station Commander, Cameron Andrews said all three buildings are safe to occupy following the evacuation.
No fatalities or injuries were reported following an emergency evacuation at Kimtown flats, Van Zyl Vleis butchery, and MK8 Diamond Security due to the explosion of a distributor box at the flats located on Old De Beers Road this morning, March 28, 2024. The Kimberley Fire Services Station Commander, Cameron Andrews, confirmed that all three buildings are safe to occupy after the evacuation.
“There were no serious injuries recorded—only minor cases of smoke inhalation. The distribution box has been turned off, and the power to the three buildings will remain off today and tomorrow. We evacuated all residents after smoke was observed coming from the ground floor. While the building is safe for residents to occupy, there will be no power until the council restores electricity,” said Andrews.
Residents of the flats expressed relief that no one was injured. “We heard a loud explosion and saw smoke. Some people started running out of the building, thinking there was a fire,” they said.
An employee at the security company and a resident of the flats shared her concern for her children’s safety. “I live at Kimtown flats and work at the security company next door. My children were home alone during the school holidays. When I noticed the smoke, I immediately asked my manager if I could fetch my children since we live on the top floor. When I reached my flat, my children were unaware of what was happening downstairs, and one didn’t even smell any smoke up there. We hurried downstairs, and fortunately, they were not injured or affected,” she explained.
Old De Beers Road has been reopened for traffic, and Van Zyl Vleis butchery is open for business.
