Hall closed as fire strikes Pretoria Show

04 September 2009 - 02:00
By Pertunia Ratsatsi

SIXTY exhibitors at the Pretoria Show lost their stock when a hall caught fire in the early hours of yesterday.

Their stock included kitchenware, clothing and jewellery.

Show spokesperson Liesel Swart said: "The damage inside the hall was quite severe. Most of the products have been destroyed.

"At this point we are not sure of the cost of damage as owners managed to save some of their products. We will try and find alternative accommodation for owners who still have enough stock to sell."

The hall will be closed for the duration of the show to allow investigations.

Police spokesperson Captain Dumisani Ndlazi said investigations were underway to determine the cause of the fire.

The Pretoria Show is an annual event organised by the Tshwane Business and Agricultural Corporation. The show is celebrating 70 years of existence this year.

The show began on August 28 and will run until Sunday.