17-month-old Queensburgh fire victim dies in hospital
On Saturday morning, 27 January, the 17 month old baby and his mum, Samantha Weideman, woke up to a house filled with smoke.
BRAYDEN Weideman, who was rescued from his burning home in Escombe, has died in hospital due to the severity of his injuries.
On Saturday morning, 27 January, the 17 month old baby and his mum, Samantha Weideman, woke up to a house filled with smoke.
Also read: 17-month-old injured as fire guts Queensburgh home | Highway Mail
“When we arrived on scene the mother told us the child was still in the house. I sent my lead firefighter, Charles Zikhali and firefighter, Ricky Chetty in,” said Queensburgh Fire Department acting station commander, Eric Wolfaardt.
According to Wolfaardt, the firefighters found Brayden lying face down and carried him out within minutes, but he showed no signs of life.
“After we performed CPR for 30 minutes and put him on oxygen for 10 to 15 minutes, he came to and we waited with him until the ambulance to arrived,” he said.
Also read: UPDATE: A day of death, disaster and devastation for Hillary family …
The Pinetown South crew arrived and after 15 minutes, the fire was extinguished.
PHOTO:
Brayden suffered first-degree burns on 60 per cent of his body. Weideman also sustained some injuries.
“When Weideman realised the whole house was in flames and she couldn’t reach the front door due to the smoke, she left the baby in the sink and climbed out the bathroom window to get some air. She held on to the toilet outlet pipe but it gave way and she fell to the ground injuring her back,” Wolfaardt.
Family left homeless
The community and neighbourhood watches are collecting clothes and food to help the family get back on their feet after their home burned down.
The homeless family is reportedly camping in a tent next to their destroyed home. If anyone would like to assist contact Jeff Verity on 083 519 4110, pick up points are also at Firwood Sports club, contact Alta and Johann on 031 708 3472.
Garrith Jamieson from Rescure Care Paramedics said Brayden passed away last night, “our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Do you want to receive alerts regarding this and other Highway community news via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Highway Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
