Six Bangladeshi Nationals Killed In Tsomo Shop Fire As Police Launch Inquest

Six Bangladeshi nationals lost their lives after a fire swept through a business premises in Tsomo, Eastern Cape, during the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that an inquest has been opened to establish the cause of the blaze, which broke out at MAA Cash and Carry on Tsomo Main Street.

Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said officers were on patrol at approximately 3:40am when they heard a loud explosion near the Tsomo Police Station. They immediately responded to the area and, after detecting a strong smell of smoke, located the source at the nearby business premises, which was already engulfed in flames.

Six Bangladeshi nationals died in a fire at a shop in Queenstown Eastern Cape during the early hours of the morning.

The victims were reportedly asleep when the blaze broke out at around 3am. A seventh Bangladeshi national was injured and is receiving treatment in hospital.… pic.twitter.com/0NlSnJTm8o

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) July 28, 2026

Police And Community Members Tried To Rescue Trapped Occupants

According to Gantana, officers rushed to the back of the building after learning that people were living on the premises. Upon arrival, they found that several occupants were trapped inside the burning structure.

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Police, assisted by private security personnel and members of the local community, attempted to gain entry to rescue those inside. Despite their efforts, only one person managed to escape, while six others died in the fire.

"Firefighters arrived on the scene and despite challenges posed by thick smoke and rainy weather, they managed to extinguish the blaze, and all six burnt bodies were recovered," said Gantana.

Authorities Investigating Cause Of Deadly Eastern Cape Fire

Police said the victims were identified by their employer as Bangladeshi nationals.

Emergency Medical Services, SAPS members, Provincial Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) officers and members of the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) were among the emergency teams that responded to the incident.

Authorities have opened an inquest to determine what caused the fire.

Police said there is currently no indication of foul play, and investigations into the incident are continuing.