Three siblings die in Cape Town fire that displaced 11 people

Three children died in a fire in Wallacedene, Cape Town on Thursday morning.

The City’s Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson Jermaine Carelse said crews were alerted shortly before 06:30 to informal structures on fire in Pietersen Road.

He said:

He added that three informal structures were destroyed in the blaze.

The fire was extinguished just after 08:00.

“The cause of the fire is yet to be determined,” Carelse added.

Local residents told News24 that they tried everything they could to assist but were unable to put out the flames.

“I remember hearing people shouting that the shacks are on fire and that there are still some people inside. There wasn’t much we could do to calm the fire until help came because the flames were too big,” said Diche Moolman.

Edwin Arendse said neighbours tried their best to save some of the people and their homes. However, they were advised not to because the flames were high.

He added:

The area’s sub-council chairperson, Marian Nieuwoudt, said the City sent a report to the South African Social Security Agency so that assistance could be provided for the affected families.

“I’ve been informed that three shacks were destroyed and 11 people displaced. Three siblings, two boys and one girl tragically lost their lives in the fire. We are very sad about this,” Nieuwoudt added.

“We understand that people need warmth, but they must please be careful with any fires. Our hearts go out to the family that lost their children,” she added.

news24.com