Family loses all in house fire in Eden Park
The situation has left her helpless, and she seeks a way forward to start over.
On February 24, tragedy struck Chinayad Rademeyer’s residence in Eden Park, Alberton, when a fire broke out and left her and her children with little to nothing.
Rademeyer, a mother of three, walked to the shop after load-shedding when suddenly her neighbour ran to her to say her house was on fire.
She explained: “I left to go to the shop for about 30 minutes when the fire happened. Upon my return to the house, the fire was already uncontrollable, and the smoke and flames were high. A gentleman across the road tried to save the TV but couldn’t because the smoke and fire came from the room, moving forward to the front door.”
She said that while trying to salvage her belongings, the fire’s severity almost caused her to blackout, and a resident pulled her out of the house. Her neighbours and the fire brigade helped extinguish the fire, but by then, everything she owned had burnt – the beds, clothes and shoes. She could only save some of her winter clothes, plates, cups and pots.
She is grateful that her two children, a son (14) and a daughter (six), were visiting their father for the weekend and were not at home when the fire started.
“I’m unemployed, and with everything burnt down, I don’t know where to begin. I lost a lot, and it is painful,” said Rademeyer as tears filled her eyes.
The Compatriots of South Africa (CSA) lent a hand by helping her clean up the place. However, there is no moving forward because she does not have the funds or resources to rebuild.
“I never thought I would be in this position where I would be asking for help. I used to be the one to help. I’m thankful to the people who donated clothes to me, as it is a start,” said Rademeyer.
It is unclear what started the fire, but Rademeyer said it broke out in the bathroom.
“I am heavily affected by this tragedy. I am a positive and people person, but I don’t know how to feel now. How do I move forward, and where do I begin to pick up the pieces?” she said.
The loss has hurt Rademeyer because the house was a haven she called home for two years after her separation.
As a result of losing everything, Rademeyer seeks help from the community. She needs anything that could help her rebuild her home, even if it is a window.
“If anyone could help me, I would greatly appreciate it. I also want my children to return home because they are living with their dad. After all, there is no house for them to live in here.”
To help Rademeyer, call her on 063 027 7975 or email rchinayad@gmail.com. Your help will make a noticeable difference in the life of a woman who lost everything.
