Summit Restaurant in Menlyn Engulfed by Fire, Emergency Services Are Battling the Massive Blaze

• Summit Restaurant in Menlyn was engulfed by a fire on 20 September, adding to the country's recent surge in building fires, following the tragic Johannesburg fire
• The city's emergency services have reportedly been on the scene battling the massive blaze
• Social media users expressed concern, with some suggesting potential foul play or insurance claims by business owners

PRETORIA - Summit Restaurant in Menlyn has reportedly been engulfed by fire. The incident was allegedly reported in the early hours of Wednesday, 20 September.

Summit restaurant in Menlyn on fire

In recent months, South Africa has been grappling with a concerning surge in building fires, further compounding the nation's challenges as it recovers from the tragic Johannesburg fire that claimed numerous lives. The devastating incident in Johannesburg and the earlier explosion have left the nation in a state of shock and mourning.

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The country woke up to a shocking video showing the renowned Summit Restaurant in Menlyn engulfed in flames. This footage, shared via @TrafficSA on X, formerly known as Twitter, revealed the building consumed by a raging fire.

According to reports circulating on social media, emergency services have been on the scene battling the blaze since the early hours of Wednesday, 20 September.

Briefly News contacted Emergency Services spokesperson Charles Mabaso, who explained that the fire was reported on Wednesday morning. He also revealed that there were no injuries and the fire was contained to one part of the building. He said:

"The fire occurred at Summit Restaurant in Garsfontein at around 4 this morning. Emergency services were called to the scene and managed to put the fire out.

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"Only the second floor, where the sound is being played caught fire and sustained damages, the part of the restaurant on the ground floor, and the kitchen as well as the rooftop did not suffer any damage. There were no injuries were reported at all."

Social media users react to Summit Restaurant fire

Social media users have expressed concern over the increase in fires in South Africa. Many said the government must investigate what is causing these incidents. Some people alleged that business owners are intentionally starting the fires to claim insurance.

@__Xoey said:

"What is happening in SA?"

@Bhut_Phumza noted:

"Whenever there is a crisis, some businesses capitalise on it. Just like now there is sporadic fires. Burn your business to claim insurance for better renovatiom. I’m kidding I’m just spreading propaganda."

@Wahaenne commented:

"And let me guess, the cameras were not streaming that day due to loadshedding. I'm not saying it's right, but I understand. Tough times are lasting and people are resorting to extremes for survival."

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Another fire engulfs Johannesburg CBD hijacked building, leaving residents homeless

In more related news, Briefly News reported that another Johannesburg CBD building has been gutted by flames on the same street where over 70 people in a hijacked building died in a fire on 31 August.

The recent fire happened on the same street as the Usindiso Building on Delver Street in Marshalltown on Friday morning, 15 September, according to eNCA.

Source: Briefly News