THOUSANDS of commuters are stranded after a devastating fire swept Pretorias central station on Monday night. The fire was believed to have been started by angry commuters protesting at delays caused by a faulty signalling system. Witnesses said about 6_000 commuters attempted to break into the control room, then returned to the main foyer where they allegedly broke through the glass wall of the passenger services division, attacking employees and security guards. Some of the commuters then set fire to the furniture. Rescue workers battled for hours to contain the blaze, which spread rapidly through the building.