Cause of shack fire still unknown
Ekurhuleni Emergency Services (EMS) spokesperson William Ntladi says the cause of the shack fire that killed two little boys (aged five and two), in Holomisa, on Saturday, June 21, is still undetermined.
“It is alleged that the mother of the two children left them inside the shack with the coal stove burning, to keep them warm, and on her return she found that the shack had been totally guttered by flames,” says Ntladi.
The mother is now facing charges of negligence.
It was alleged that the EMS was still not on the scene five hours after the fire was reported.
Ntladi, however, says EMS received the call at 8.12am and that the Vosloorus Fire Station immediately responded to the scene.
He adds that circumstances such as this fire can be avoided.
“We must not leave small children at home with heat sources such as braziers, heaters, paraffin stoves and lamps in the absence of an adult,” he says.
To report any life threatening emergencies contact the Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management on 011 458 0911.
