ETHEKWINI Municipality has urged residents to observe safety precautions following the death of a woman at a home in New Germany on Wednesday (October 7).

The City’s communications officer, Senzelwe Mzila, said firefighters rescued a trapped tenant.

“Municipal firefighters were dispatched to the residence on Oellermann Road at 21:50 after receiving reports of occupants trapped inside the burning structure.”

Also read: Dogs die in Malvern house fire

Mzila said emergency crews found the three-bedroom house on fire, with flames having consumed a bedroom and extended into the roof section.

“Firefighters made entry after hearing cries for help and successfully rescued a male tenant in his late twenties.

“The individual was treated at the scene for mild smoke inhalation, including the administration of oxygen therapy,” reported Mzila.

During search operations, firefighters located a female occupant, believed to be the property owner in her forties, inside the bedroom where the fire had originated.

“She was declared deceased at the scene.

“Fire teams extinguished the blaze and secured the premises,” said Mzila.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

eThekwini Municipality extended its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.

The Municipality commended the swift and brave actions of the firefighters who entered hazardous conditions to save a life.

Fire safety precautions:

• Never use stoves, hotplates, or cooking appliances for space heating.
• Switch off heaters and electrical appliances before sleeping or leaving a room.
• Avoid overloading electrical sockets and extension leads.
• Install smoke alarms and test them monthly.

Report fire emergencies immediately to eThekwini Fire and Emergency Services on 031 361 0000.

For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter here