Six tenants have been left counting their losses after a fire destroyed a property converted into rental accommodation in Johannesburg.

The blaze rapidly consumed the rooms, destroying clothing, personal belongings, and important documents. The roof collapsed, while the interior of the property was left severely damaged.

Read more: House catches fire in Randpark Ridge

Housekeeper and tenant John Dlamini said he was called while at work and did not expect the situation to be so severe. “We lost everything: clothes, furniture and important documents,” said Dlamini. “We are left with nothing but the clothes we are wearing. We don’t know where to even begin, but we are grateful as we are still alive.”

Although the tenants escaped the blaze, Prosper Sibande sustained an injury and required medical attention. Sibande explained that he was asleep when other tenants woke him up as the fire intensified. “I had to escape where the fire was because that was the only exit we had,” says Sibande. “It was dark, and the passage and the kitchen were full of smoke. At that time, the fire hadn’t reached my room. From the outside, I tried to break the window so I could get some of my stuff out, and I was cut by the glass.”

Also read: Firefighters respond to vacant house fire in Randburg

He added that the fire was uncontrollable and he lost all his belongings, but expressed gratitude that he survived.

For the other residents, the immediate concern remains where they will sleep and how they will replace essential items and documents lost in the blaze.

The City of Johannesburg emergency management services (EMS) responded to the scene and managed to extinguish the flames. EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said the emergency call was received at around 14:30. “The five-bedroom house was gutted with a roof collapse,” says Mulaudzi. “No further injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is still a subject of investigation.”

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