Families lose everything in fire
Even though members of the Bezuidenhout and Huiseman families went into the burning house to salvage what they could, it was too late. Even their pets perished in the blaze.
A desperate scramble to salvage anything they could from their flaming home proved futile for two Ncandu Park families last week Tuesday.
The Bezuidenhout and Huiseman families who shared a home on Hluhluwe Crescent, lost nearly all their possessions and their beloved pets, which perished in the blaze.
Nella Bezuidenhout said she first became aware of the fire while she was sitting in her living room folding her laundry.
“I smelled something burning and went into the passage to see what was going on. I saw that the room shared by two women who were staying with us, was on fire and ran to grab my baby, who was fast asleep in the room next to theirs,” said Mrs Bezuidenhout.
After Mrs Bezuidenhout grabbed her baby, she ran to her neighbour’s house for help.
“They called the fire brigade and tried to douse the flames with water, but the fire was already out of control. By the time the fire truck got here half an hour later, the entire roof was burning. Once the fire was put out, I managed to salvage some kitchen stuff and a few clothes but we lost everything else,” continued Mrs Bezuidenhout.
Mrs Bezuidenhout, her husband and four children were fortunate to find accommodation soon after the incident, and are grateful to the community for its generous donation of clothes, furniture and food.
“Losing everything in the fire was a terrible shock but we are thankful to God, the community really helped us a lot,” concluded Mrs Bezuidenhout.
Chantel and Natasha Huiseman and their 18-month-old son, Damian, however, have not been so fortunate.
“People did not realise that there was another family also staying there and that we also lost everything we had,” said Chantel.
“We were in town, when we got a call from Nella, who told us to come home immediately because our room was burning. We got home in five minutes, and ran into the burning building to see if could save anything but we couldn’t. We understand people have been very generous toward Nella and her family but we have also lost everything and we have to start again from scratch.”
Chantel, Natasha and Damian were given temporary refuge at Natasha’s aunt’s flat at Arbor Heights. Residents who wish to make a donation of clothes, toiletries, etc, may contact them on 078 443 0929or drop off any donations at flat 103, Arbor Heights, Oak Street, Arbor Park.
