Tragic fire in Chatsworth informal settlement claims two lives, displaces families
Two people have died and 22 families have been left homeless after a devastating fire broke out at the Sukamuva Informal Settlement in Crossmoor, Chatsworth on Friday.
The eThekwini Municipality confirmed that the blaze started at around 11pm and continued into the early hours of Saturday morning.
The City said emergency services were dispatched shortly after receiving the urgent call and worked through the night to contain the fire.
“EThekwini Municipality’s Fire and Emergency Services, together with Disaster Management teams, responded swiftly to extinguish a fire that broke out at Sukamuva Informal Settlement last night,” the municipality stated.
The inferno destroyed approximately 15 homes and claimed the lives of two residents. Their identities have not yet been officially released as authorities are working to notify their next of kin.
“A further 22 families, including young children, were left displaced,” the city said. “The teams worked tirelessly throughout the night to extinguish the blaze and assist victims on the ground.”
The cause of the fire remains unknown at this stage and is currently under investigation.
On Saturday morning, the municipality’s Disaster Management Directorate was on-site, coordinating relief efforts and providing immediate humanitarian aid.
“The municipality’s Disaster Management Directorate is on-site, providing critical humanitarian assistance, including food, blankets, and emergency shelter,” the municipality added.
The displaced families have been temporarily accommodated at a nearby community facility while further assessments are being conducted.
Ward 71 councillor Warren Burne extended his condolences to the affected families and stressed the urgent need for improving conditions in informal settlements.
“It is heartbreaking to lose lives in this way,” said Burne. “We continue to urge residents to take fire safety seriously, particularly in winter when the use of open flames increases. But the broader issue is the need for more formal housing to avoid the ongoing risks these communities face.”
This is the second significant fire incident to hit eThekwini’s informal settlements in less than a month.
Earlier this month, on June 4, a fire tore through the Kennedy Road informal settlement, Clare Estate in ward 25. The blaze destroyed 47 structures completely and partially damaged two more, affecting 49 households in total and displacing 76 people.
“No injuries or fatalities were reported, the municipality said at the time.
It also said at the time that the displaced fire victims from Kennedy Road were being accommodated at a nearby community hall while the municipality and other government departments are working on a long-term solution.
The cause of the Kennedy Road fire was alleged to be illegal electricity connections.