West family gets help to rebuild house destroyed by fire
"Not only that, we want to honour the people who came out that night. It is very important when the community stands together."
It is believed that a candle caused a gas bottle to explode just after 20:00.
XseBlixsem Namola response unit was called to the scene.
“The response unit received calls from the community that a house was on fire.
“Members of the community struggled to get to the family trapped in the burning house, and to get them out in time,” said Frik de Bruin of the response unit.
“All five of the family members were taken to nearby hospitals with serious injuries and burns. They also inhaled gases.
“The family had eight pets that, unfortunately, died during the fire,” De Bruin said.
Tshwane emergency services spokesperson Charles Mabaso said that firefighters arrived on the scene around 20:30, to find the house already gutted by fire.
“They managed to extinguish the fire, but two rooms were completely damaged by the fire,” he said.
On Monday, DA leader John Steenhuisen accompanied by Tshwane mayor Randall Williams and Gauteng DA leader Solly Msimanga visited Danville to award certificates to seven brave community members who saved the lives of this family.
Steenhuisen said they wanted to honour the people who had been brave and made a contribution in helping the family.
“This was a nice opportunity to give something back to the community and acknowledge these heroes. There are so many bad stories you hear in South Africa but I always say for every bad story, there are 10 good stories.”
Williams said the DA and metro will assist the family to rebuild their house.
“There’s a project that has been put in place and it will run through the party, but as the city, we will also see how we can assist to get the project done.
“Our ward councillor candidate has already been assisting the family. He got a quote from the builder on what it would cost to repair the house.
“Not only that, we want to honour the people who came out that night. It is very important when the community stands together. There is still the spirit of togetherness in this community.”
Msimango thanked the community for coming together in times of hardship.
One of the people who received the certificates Grant Delcarme said the incident had brought a spirit of togetherness in the community.
“I didn’t know what I was doing but I just did what I had to do. The family is doing ok. To everyone who would like to assist, just come forward and do what your heart feels like doing. We all need each other’s help at the end of the day.”
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