A wendy house caught fire, claiming the life of a six-year-old boy and seriously injuring an 80-year-old man in Sinoville in the north of Pretoria.

According to Tshwane emergency services spokesperson Charles Mabaso, they were called to the scene just before 13:00 yesterday.

“Upon arrival, fire services found the local CPF had helped to extinguish the wendy house fire,” he says.

Mabaso explains that as the members investigated the scene, the body of the six-year-old was found in the house.

“It is alleged that the boy was physically disabled and, at the time of the fire, his father had gone to a nearby shop to buy food.”

Lifemed paramedic services spokesperson Riana Greyling says the 80-year-old man was transported to a hospital after he sustained injuries from trying to save the boy.

Mabaso notes that the cause of the fire is unknown at this point and under investigation.