QUICK thinking by a young Illovo Beach resident saved the life of an elderly man and his possessions, and a block of flats, from being destroyed by a fire that started from one of the units on August 28.

Also watch: Watch: Amanzimtoti house catches fire

Jaden Kriel was outside smoking just after 08:00 when he noticed black smoke coming from a neighbouring block of flats.

“When I saw that black smoke, I suspected it could be a house fire. I immediately left my complex and went towards the direction of the smoke, and that’s when I realised it was coming from one of the units,” said Kriel.

The flat belonged to an elderly couple, and the man was stuck on the balcony while the wife had managed to escape with their dog. Without thinking twice and already on crutches for tendon injuries in his knee, Kriel asked for a ladder and rescued the old man. With the help of another resident, they climbed up the ladder and contained the flames until the firefighters arrived and took over.

The man suffered minor burns, and the man who helped Kriel was admitted to hospital for smoke inhalation. Kriel was treated with oxygen at the scene as a precaution and given an all-clear.

While he does not see himself as a hero, Kriel said he likes helping others.

The cause of the fire is unknown and will remain the subject of an investigation.

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