Six family members have died following a fire at Marikana Informal Settlement in Mamelodi, Tshwane.

Emergency Services say when they arrived at the scene around three o’clock this morning, the shack was engulfed in flames with people trapped inside.

The cause of the fire is still unknown. However, it has been extinguished.

Ekurhuleni EMS spokesperson William Ntladi says one person is being treated in hospital for serious injuries.

“On arrival, our firefighters found a four-room shack which was alight. Members of the public were already battling with the blaze and firefighters managed to extinguish the fire.  Unfortunately, they found six family members who have perished, and their bodies were unfortunately burnt beyond recognition and one of the family members, a seven-year-old daughter, managed to survive with critical injuries and was transported to the nearest medical facility for further treatment,” says Ntladi.

♦️MEDIA STATEMENT♦️
City of Johannesburg EMS Urges Fire Safety Vigilance during the cold front#FireSafety #SaferJoburg#ColdFront #SaferWinter pic.twitter.com/wr8IJ0RiL6

— City of Joburg EMS (@CityofJoburgEMS) May 23, 2025

It’s freezing!🥶 But let’s stay warm safely.
Please keep an eye on:
🔸 Heaters (electric and gas)
🔸 Candles
🔸 Stoves and ovens

Please also be sure to:
✅ Turn off heaters and heat appliances at night
✅ Put out all fires and candles at bed time
✅ Use blankets and layers as a… pic.twitter.com/fv2ex7fKc0

— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) May 21, 2025