Two children die following smoke inhalation
Two girls aged 9 and 15, from one family were declared dead by paramedics in their home while their mother and elder sister were hospitalised in critical conditions following smoke inhalation.
The incident occurred in Phumula Boksburg, on the night of July 13.
Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) spokesperson William Ntladi said the family’s two other children survived the deadly incident as they had slept at their neighbours.
Ntladi said the gruesome incident was discovered by the neighbours and the family’s two children when they went home in the morning.
They then immediately alerted emergency services and the police for intervention.
“As per information obtained from the scene, the family of six were warming themselves around a self-made coal stove last night until late at around 11pm when they all went to bed.
“Apparently they left the stove still burning overnight to warm their RDP but somehow smoke filled the house and they were all overcome by inhalation of carbon monoxide,” said Ntladi.
South African Police Services and Ekurhuleni Emergency Services collectively initiated investigations.
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