A multiple-shack fire has claimed the life of a pregnant woman and left over 2 000 people displaced and over 800 destroyed at the Cemetery View informal settlement in Woodlake Street, Pretorius Park in Tshwane.
According to the City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department (EMS) acting spokesperson, Zwelithini Mnguni, when firefighters arrived at the scene, a large area in the informal settlement was on fire, and many people were standing outside.
Their firefighters and emergency officers found a large area in the informal settlement was on fire with multiple shacks well alight and many people were standing outside.
The officers saved numerous shacks from being destroyed by the fire, before extinguishing it.
It was later established that about 814 shacks burned down and about 2600 people were affected by the fire.
“One male patient was treated on-site and transported to Steve Biko Academic Hospital for critical burn injuries.
Another female patient with a critical medical condition was also treated on-site and transported to Mamelodi Hospital.
A third patient sadly suffered fatal burn injuries.
Our Disaster Risk Management officials are working with various stakeholders to provide assistance for those affected by the fire,” said EMS acting spokesperson, Zwelithini Mnguni,
Mnguni said the cause of the fire has not yet been determined and the scene was declared as a hot zone and a crime scene.
He urged the public to be “cautious during the winter to ensure the safety and well-being of people, animals, and property by observing safety precautionary measures.”
