Sunnyside fire: Two fatalities reported in abandoned residential building
An abandoned building in Sunnyside was engulfed in a devastating fire in the early hours of Sunday, resulting in the deaths of two individuals from smoke inhalation.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community.
Nana Radebe-Kgiba, spokesperson for the Tshwane Emergency Services Department, said firefighters responded to a structural fire call at the De Williershof residential building, also known as Block 1, after 4am on Sunday.
Upon arrival, they found the basement engulfed in flames, with residents unsure if everyone had managed to evacuate the premises.
In a disturbing twist, the Emergency Command Centre had received a prior structural fire incident report at the same building, Block 2, at 1:15am.
Seven rooms on the ground floor had burned, but fortunately, no casualties were reported.
Radebe-Kgiba said during the search and rescue operation at Block 1, firefighters discovered two bodies in the basement, where residents had converted the area into a residential space with makeshift board divisions.
The victims died from smoke inhalation, unable to escape the inferno.
Radebe-Kgiba said the department’s fire safety officers will conduct preliminary investigations to determine the cause of the fire.
She emphasised the importance of public cooperation, advising residents to remain calm and provide accurate information when reporting emergencies.
The department reiterated its commitment to saving lives and property, urging residents to be vigilant and report any fire or rescue incidents promptly.
The public can reach the department via the 107 toll-free number or 012 358 6300/6400.
On Friday, the department responded to a sludge fire at the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Upon arrival, they deployed a fire engine and water tanker, quickly determining the need for additional water supply resources to combat the blaze effectively.
Radebe-Kgiba said: “The city’s water and sanitation department has provided five water tankers to enable smooth firefighting with ample water source, one grader machine and a tractor-loader-backhoe to maneuver around the hot zone and assist with removing the sludge.”
She said the smoke from the burning sludge enveloped much of the surrounding area near the Rooiwal plant.
Despite the challenge, firefighters worked tirelessly to complete the firefighting operations as efficiently as possible.
rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za