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New blaze at South Africa's Parliament contained and suspect due to appear in court
The US News reported according to Reuters that South African officials said on Tuesday, a new blaze at the complex housing South Africa's parliament in Cape Town has been contained, as a suspect arrested in connection with the fire was due to appear in court.
An initial fire on Sunday caused the roof of the New Wing housing the assembly's lower chamber to collapse. The roof of the Old Wing, which dates back to 1884 and houses the upper chamber, the National Council of Provinces, also partially collapsed.
Cape Town city officials said in a statement: "Around midnight the fire was brought under control," adding that "Teams are now working their way through the maize-like building, room-for-room, as they attempt to locate and extinguish (hot spots)."
They said: "This is a lengthy process, as some rooms are needing to have their interior wooden cladding pulled apart, in order to identify any concealed hot spots."
Parliament said in a statement that only six of the 10 fire trucks were now remaining on the scene and it was hoped that more trucks would be withdrawn during the course of the morning.
Person arrested following the outbreak of fire at South Africa's parliament
The statement said: "Further damage has been caused, with more floors of the building, which houses offices of Members of Parliament and support staff, being completely gutted."
South African President promises deep investigation into parliament fire
A 49-year-old man charged with arson and other offences including theft was expected to appear in court on Tuesday.
The elite Hawks police said on Monday the suspect was believed to have gained entry to the parliament through an office window.
Houses of Parliament in the South African city of Cape Town on fire
The fire swept through the buildings but officials have said important sections including a museum with artworks and heritage objects were saved, as was an embroidered tapestry telling the story of the Eastern Cape on the ground floor of the Old Assembly Building.
Source: usnews
