LATEST: Four children die in shack fire
SAPS suspects woman's ex-boyfriend. 'The man is currently under police guard in hospital after he was rescued from angry community members who caught him first.'
Four children, aged 2 to 6 years, lost their lives when they were burnt beyond recognition during a shack fire that took place in Ivory Park, Extension 2.
Also read: Two children die in shack fire
The incident involved a 40-year-old woman who suffered serious burns to her body and who was rushed to hospital for further treatment.
It is believed the woman was with the children when the shack was engulfed by flames.
The fire occurred at around 2am on Sunday morning.
City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services responded to the fire.
“At this stage the cause of the fire is still unknown, however, our fire investigating team will be investigating to determine what the cause of the fire might be. We therefore would like to urge our communities to continue to look after heating and lighting appliances like paraffin stoves, candles and imbulas. Use it in a well-ventilated area to avoid carbon monoxide inhalation incidents and to look after any other item that might cause fires at home if left unattended.
“We also want to urge them not to leave young children unattended at home,” said City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services media liaison officer, Mr Robert Mulaudzi.
He said the incident occurred during International Fire Awareness Week, which was held from October 10 to 14 at the Leeuwhof Informal Settlement, in the Emfuleni Local Municipality.
The aim of the campaigns was to educate communities about fire safety and to create a culture of fire safety throughout Gauteng.
Meanwhile, the Ivory Park SAPS communications officer, Captain Bernard Matimulane said it is suspected that the woman’s 31-year old ex-boyfriend might be responsible for the fire.
“The man is currently under police guard in hospital after he was rescued from angry community members who caught him first. At the time he had been severely beaten. Three of the children are the woman’s grandchildren while the fourth one is her child. The police were called to the scene of the fire during the early hours of Sunday morning. Ambulance services rushed to the scene and, after they managed to extinguish the fire, the charred remains of the children were found,” said Capt Matimulane.
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