Gallery: BKB gutted after break-in

Damage to Paterson store set at R10m

THE Paterson branch of the Boere Koöperasie Beperk (BKB) was gutted by fire yesterday shortly after a break-in at the premises.

The damage is estimated at about R10-million. Police are investigating a possible case of arson.

Sales clerk Gerrie Ferreira rushed to the scene at 4am after he was alerted by neighbours.

“I did not know what to think at that point,” he said, his eyes bloodshot and watering from exhaustion and smoke.

“I rushed to the scene, phoning the police and fire department on the way, and only realised how serious the situation was when I got there.

“The fire seemed to have started at the back of the building, but quickly spread through the whole place.

“I could do nothing but stand outside and watch as Paterson’s fire fighters, with their small fire truck, battled the blaze.

“By the time the bigger fire truck came from the Sundays River Valley, around 6am, there was little left of the shop to save.

“I have worked here for 17 years, and I felt so helpless. It was heartbreaking to watch this place burn like that,” Ferreira said.

Most of the roof collapsed into the shop, making a large part of the building inaccessible, while a section of the back wall was blown out, presumably by a gas bottle that exploded.

-Riaan Marais [tribulant_slideshow gallery_id="53"]