News
One dead, woman suffers miscarriage, as fire tears through Cemetery View
One person has died after multiple shacks blazed in Cemetery View Squatter Camp, east of Pretoria on September 21.
The Tshwane Emergency Services Department confirmed one death and that about 2600 people and 814 informal houses were affected next to Woodlands Mall on Saturday morning.
One patient was burned beyond recognition, said Tshwane.
The fire apparently started at around 04:00, while the exact cause of the fire is unknown at this stage, there had also been reports of gas bottle explosions at the time.
The Tshwane metro confirming the devastating fire said “multiple shacks caught fire at Cemetery View Squatter camp. 2600 people and 814 shacks affected. One person burned beyond recognition,” read the social media post.
The metro said that emergency services were on the scene as well as the Human Settlements Department, Community and Social Development Department, as well as Home Affairs, had been activated.
The Tshwane Emergency Services spokesperson Lindsay Mnguni said the services were carrying out assessments and more details would be provided in due course.
MMC for Human Settlements in Tshwane Ofentse Madzebatela confirmed the deaths, saying “The Emergency Services just confirmed the current situation with us, and 814 shacks [have been] impacted, about 2600 people.”
Madzebatela said a pregnant woman suffered a miscarriage, as well as third-degree burn wounds, and was taken to Mamelodi hospital.
Ward councillor Malcolm de Klerk said the fire reportedly occurred at 04:23 in the morning.
He said, “Emergency services have successfully contained the fire and are working to extinguish any remaining hotspots.”
De Klerk said unfortunately the illegal settlement has been significantly damaged, and it appears that most, if not all, of the structures have been destroyed.
He said, “Home Affairs and Land Invasion units will be contacted to secure the land and prevent any further illegal occupation.”
He said additionally, there are plans to fence off the area along De Villebois and Waterlake Drive.
“We understand that this incident has caused significant disruption and hardship for those affected. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.”
Also read: Mams flood victims finally set to move to new home in November
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 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
