The manager and two waitresses of a restaurant in the Cresta Shopping Centre were seriously injured following a fire this morning, Johannesburg Emergency Services reported.

Spokesman Malcolm Midgley said the fire apparently broke out at the Beef and Lobster Company, situated on the ground floor, around 4.30am.

"The three employees sustained serious burns and are suffering from smoke inhalations. One waitress suffered cuts on her hands after trying to break out of a window."

Midgley said the three were rescued by fire-fighters and rushed to a local hospital.

He said the restaurant is badly damaged.

Sapa 21 May 2004