CONFIRMED: Eikestad Mall chaos only a drill

The Eikestad Mall in Stellenbosch was evacuated early on Tuesday morning after reports of a fire in the mall originating in Sportscene. Various reports stated that this is only a fire drill to ensure the safety of the community in the near future.

MatieMedia spoke to a fireman on scene which confirmed the events. “This is only a drill to ensure that we are ready when needed in such an event,” he reported.

Ronelle le Roux, marketing manager at Eikestad Mall, told MatieMedia that more information would be made available once the mall is reopened. However, she did not confirm that the event unfolding were merely a drill.

Huis ten Bosch, a Stellenbosch University residence, was damaged in a serious fire last night.

UPDATE:

Stuart Grobelaar, Stellenbosch municipality spokesperson, confirmed that the events unfolding this morning was only a fire drill. “The Stellenbosch Fire Department today conducted a preparedness drill at the Eikestad Mall. These drills are conducted 2 to 3 times a year to evaluate response times for the evacuation of the Eikestad Mall and the readiness of the Stellenbosch Emergency Services in case of an emergency,” he said in a press release.

The press release futher states that these drills involve various stakeholders and are arranged well ahead of time. “ER 24, municipal traffic services, the Stellenbosch Fire Department, the South African Police Service, Provincial ambulance service and the Eikestad Mall management all took part.”

As part of today’s drill, a small controlled fire was lit on the roof and extinguished. The newly acquired hydraulic ladder platform truck was also put through its paces and used in a simulated rescue.