Disaster Management teams in eThekwini are assisting families left with only the clothes on their backs following a devastating fire at the Kennedy Road informal settlement.

A woman and 18-month-old toddler lost their lives.

According to the eThekwini Municipality’s Gugu Sisilana, the inferno tore through the densely populated area, destroying approximately 100 informal structures and displacing over 150 residents, including children.

“Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have originated from open flames, possibly due to an unattended stove,” Sisilana said.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has extended his condolences to the bereaved family and assured the family of the department’s full support during this difficult time.

“On behalf of the provincial government, we extend our deepest condolences to the grieving family. As a department, we are deeply concerned by this incident, which is the fourth of its kind in this area during the current winter season.

“We urge communities to exercise extreme caution, especially during colder days when the use of open flames, such as izimbawula (homemade heaters) and electric heaters, significantly increases the risk of fires,” he said.

With cold weather predicted for the rest of the weekend, Buthelezi is urging communities to be vigilant when using fire.

He said disaster teams in all municipalities are on high alert, particularly in areas identified as high-risk.

seanne.rall@iol.co.za

IOL

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