Fire claims the lives of five children near Laudium
According to Tshwane emergency services, the bodies of the children were found after the fire had been extinguished.
Five children died after six shacks were destroyed in a fire near Laudium on Sunday morning.
According to Tshwane emergency services spokesperson, Deputy Chief Charles Mabaso, the fire was reported at around 04:26 on Sunday morning in the Itireleng informal settlement near Laudium, Pretoria.
“Firefighters arrived on the scene to find multiple shacks on fire,” Mabaso said. “They started with firefighting operations immediately, but it was too late to rescue the five children, who were found after the fire had been extinguished, and were burnt beyond recognition.”
According to Mabaso, the victims of the fire were believed to be children of two sisters. “There were three boys, aged two, four, and six, and two girls, aged one and seven.”
Mabaso said the two mothers had allegedly left the children in one of the shacks the previous night to go out.
“At this time the two sisters have been arrested and were taken to a local police station for questioning. The circumstances surrounding the cause of the fire are being investigated.”
Mabaso said the Tshwane EMS is calling on all parents and caregivers to ensure that children are always left under the care of an adult and in a safe environment.
ALSO READ: Driver freed with jaws of life in Pretoria North accident
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us at 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
