A man dies when fire ravages shacks in Kya Sand informal settlement
KYA SAND – Resident swiftly put out the fire before it could spread to other shacks.
A man, believed to be 27 years old, burnt to death when a fire ravaged shacks in Kya Sand informal settlement early in the morning of 5 June.
Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi confirmed the incident.
“We received the call at 1.03am and on arrival, [the fire] was already extinguished, one person was confirmed dead on the scene and no other injuries reported.”
He said the cause of the fire was unknown.
One of the community leaders in the area, Rosta Mashabane, said she was woken and told that there was a fire. Residents swiftly extinguish the fire before it could spread to other shacks and only a few shacks burnt down. “When we looked inside the shack we saw a person who had already died,” she said.
Mashabane said they then called the police who assisted. She indicated the other resident whose shack burnt down was celebrating her birthday in Cosmo City with her elder sister. “She lost everything in the fire including her [identity documents],” she said.
Victor Molotsane from the Gauteng Department of Social Development conducted a damage assessment on Monday morning and indicated that they would help the victims. “We need to see how many people were affected and in return, we will bring the blankets and food parcels.
“During incidents like this one, we come on board and see how we can help the residents.”
ALSO READ:
Shacks go up in flames in Pipeline Informal Settlement
Residents left homeless after fire ravages their homes
Details: Johannesburg Emergency Management Services 011 222 8056.
