2 crew members injured after fire breaks out on the set of Skeem Saam

A fire broke out on the set of the popular SABC1 drama, Skeem Saam, causing panic among the cast and crew and resulting in injuries to two staff members. The incident, which occurred at Sasani Studios in Johannesburg on Monday afternoon, saw actors and production crew scrambling to evacuate as the flames spread through the filming space.

While the full extent of the damage is still being determined, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has confirmed that two crew members suffered injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.

Chaos on Set as Fire Erupts

According to reports, the fire started suddenly, leaving those on set with little time to react. Witnesses described scenes of panic, as actors, directors, camera operators, and production assistants rushed to safety.

One crew member, who asked to remain anonymous, described the terrifying moment the fire broke out:

“We were in the middle of setting up for the next scene when we suddenly smelled smoke. Within minutes, flames started spreading, and everyone just ran for their lives. It was chaotic.”

Firefighters arrived quickly on the scene and managed to bring the flames under control before they could spread further. However, the cause of the fire remains unknown at this stage.

Extent of Damage and Injuries

While the SABC has confirmed that two crew members sustained injuries, details about their condition have not yet been disclosed. It is unclear whether their injuries were caused by smoke inhalation, burns, or falls while escaping the blaze.

SABC spokesperson Mmoni Ngubane released a statement, saying:

“The two injured crew members are receiving the necessary medical care, and we are closely monitoring their recovery. The safety of our staff remains a top priority, and we are committed to ensuring that proper measures are in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.”

In terms of property damage, the fire is believed to have caused losses amounting to thousands of rands. However, the full impact on production equipment and studio infrastructure is still being assessed. Ngubane confirmed that the extent of the damage will only be determined after a thorough evaluation.

Production Disruptions and Investigation

The incident has raised concerns about potential production delays for Skeem Saam, which has a tight filming schedule. While there has been no official confirmation about disruptions to the show’s broadcast schedule, industry insiders suggest that the production team may have to make temporary adjustments to accommodate repairs and ensure the safety of the set.

Meanwhile, authorities have launched an investigation to determine what caused the fire. Although no foul play has been suspected at this point, officials will be conducting a comprehensive assessment to rule out any electrical faults, gas leaks, or other hazards.

SABC Extends Support to Affected Crew Members

In response to the incident, the SABC extended well wishes to the injured crew members and expressed gratitude that there were no fatalities.

“We are deeply concerned about the wellbeing of our staff and will continue to support those affected. We are also grateful to the emergency responders who acted swiftly to contain the fire and prevent further damage,” said Ngubane.

Fans of Skeem Saam have also taken to social media to express their shock and concern, with many sending messages of support and prayers to the injured crew members. Some viewers have also raised questions about safety measures on television sets, urging studios to conduct regular fire safety checks to avoid similar incidents in the future.

Moving Forward: What’s Next for Skeem Saam

As investigations continue, the cast and crew of Skeem Saam are hopeful that they can resume filming soon. The show, which has been one of South Africa’s most beloved TV dramas, has built a loyal fan base over the years.

For now, the priority remains on ensuring the safety of everyone involved, assessing the financial impact of the fire, and determining what caused the unexpected blaze.

More updates are expected in the coming days as authorities finalize their investigations.