A tuckshop in Ncandu Park was destroyed in a fire on Wednesday afternoon, 1 July 2026, leaving its owner facing the loss of a small business she had only recently started operating from home.
The fire broke out at a property along Drakensberg Drive, Newcastle, where firefighters were called to reports of a structural fire.
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Crews arrived within minutes and found the tuckshop already fully engulfed in flames.
Strong winds at the time complicated the situation, with the fire spreading quickly and flames moving close to nearby trees. Firefighters immediately began working to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further.
Although the fire was brought under control within minutes, the tuckshop had already sustained extensive damage and was reduced to ashes and burnt debris.
Speaking to Newcastillian News at the scene, the owner said she did not know how the fire had started.
“I went inside for a few minutes, and when I came outside, the tuckshop was on fire. It wasn’t the gas bottle, as my family and I are extremely careful with it, so I do not know if someone threw a cigarette or something over, but I have now lost everything.”
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The woman explained that she had left her employment two months ago to run the tuckshop from home, allowing her to spend more time with her family. She had also used her previous earnings to establish and maintain the business.
As firefighters extinguished the last of the smouldering remains, she sat outside her home in tears, saying:
“I’ve lost everything now; what am I going to do?”
Officials confirmed that no injuries were reported during the incident.
However, while the fire was contained before it could spread further, the loss of the tuckshop has left the owner and her family facing an uncertain road ahead as they begin assessing the damage and considering how to move forward.
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One Response
Start a BackABuddy to rebuild and restock the tuckshop. I am sure this is a great loss yo the local community as well.