Fire guts beloved historic restaurant in Durban

A devastating fire broke out at the historic Delphi Restaurant in Durban on Thursday evening, with emergency services battling the blaze at the busy intersection of Lilian Ngoyi and Livingstone roads.

Firefighters and disaster management teams were dispatched to the scene and worked to contain the flames and secure the building.

Dense smoke and flames were seen pouring from the restaurant as emergency crews responded to the incident.

Rushed to the scene

Advanced Life Support (ALS) Paramedics also rushed to the scene to assist with the emergency response and assess people who were evacuated from the building.

ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson confirmed that paramedics were assessing occupants.

“Paramedics are currently assessing occupants in the building,” Jamieson said.

He also highlighted the significance of the restaurant to the Durban community.

“Many people recognise this restaurant that has been open for many years,” he said.

No casualties reported

Emergency officials have confirmed that all occupants were successfully evacuated from the building.

At this stage, no injuries or casualties have been reported.

Authorities cordoned off the immediate area around the intersection to allow emergency crews to operate safely and to prevent members of the public from entering the danger zone.

The cause of the fire has not yet been established.

An investigation will begin once the scene has been secured and firefighting operations have been completed.

Delphi Restaurant has been a longstanding fixture in Durban’s culinary scene, with the fire prompting concern among residents familiar with the establishment.

Further updates are expected as emergency services continue working at the scene.