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Tragic House Fire Claims Lives of Two Siblings in Doornkop
Tragedy struck when two Doornkop children died in a house fire last Thursday, June 29. The news of the deaths of Austin (5) and Siphiwe (18 months) Khumalo sent shockwaves through the community, prompting residents to offer their condolences to the grieving family.
According to Bongani Makhubu, a family representative, the desperate screams for help from Nhlanhla Khumalo, the boys’ mother, woke him. She was already outside, urgently alerting everyone about the engulfed house. As thick black smoke engulfed the residence, Makhubu courageously attempted to rescue his grandchildren from the blazing fire. With the support of neighbours armed with buckets and hosepipes, they managed to extinguish the fire in the bedroom.
Tragically, they discovered the bodies of the two young boys curled up against a corner, indicating that the fire had blocked their escape route. Preliminary investigations by the Emergency Management Services revealed that the fire originated from an unattended candle that ignited the mattress they were sleeping on. While the mother claimed she had left a candle burning before falling asleep, the family has unanswered questions about the heartbreaking incident.
Also read: Tragic fire claims lives of two children in Johannesburg Inner City
The grief-stricken uncle described Austin and Siphiwe as vibrant and lively children, reminiscing about their laughter and the joyful atmosphere they brought to the family’s yard. Disturbed by the traumatic scene, he acknowledged the pain and inability to comprehend the tragedy. Further details emerged that the 22-year-old mother relied on candles for lighting as the main house had no electrical wiring. Reports also suggested a history of drug abuse and allegations of the removal of wiring.
Neighbour Johanna Phalane, who witnessed the devastating aftermath, expressed her horror at the burned-out home, realising that the young boys had no chance of survival. Feeling distraught, she voiced her belief that if the mother had been present, she would have noticed the fire and saved her children. Phalane called for the mother’s arrest, unable to reconcile the horrific fate the children suffered.
While preparations are underway to lay the Khumalo boys to rest this week, the mother declined to comment.
Source: Two Doornkop siblings die house fire
Also read:
Joburg EMS Warns of Fire Risks Following Tragic Deaths of Two Children in Soweto
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