Woman’s world turned upside down after losing father to house fire
The daughter of the man who died in a Farrarmere house fire is struggling to come to terms with the news of her father’s sudden death.
Asher Singer (66) was burnt beyond recognition at his Brooke Street home, on Sunday evening.
The deceased’s step-daughters, Luchia van den Berg and Bianca Nye, said their father will be sorely missed.
“Not only a grandfather, husband and loving father, but also our friend,” the pair said in a message sent to the City Times.
“You were always there for us, and, without you, our world seems darker.
“We love you and miss you dearly.
“Always in out hearts and in our minds.”
An emotional Van den Berg said, on Tuesday, that she was “very close” to her father and that the incident has turned her world upsidedown.
Singer, who was the owner of CT Systems, in Benoni, according to Van den Berg, was in the house with his wife, Sandra, at the time of the fire.
Suzette McLaren, who lives near the half-burnt house, told the City Times on Monday morning that she was alerted to the blaze by crackling noises.
She went to her front door and saw the raging flames.
McLaren said she heard no screams coming from the house and did not know whether anyone was inside at the time.
Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services spokesperson William Ntladi said the fire is believed to have started in the main bedroom.
“Four rooms suffered extensive damage, while others suffered only smoke and water damage,” said Ntladi.
He added that Singer was declared dead in the main bedroom.
It is not yet clear what caused the fire.
Singer’s wife was treated for smoke inhalation at the Netcare Linmed Hospital, after the incident.
Van den Berg said, on Tuesday, that her mother had been discharged from hospital and was doing fine.
Benoni SAPS spokesperson Lieut Nomsa Sekele said an inquest docket has been opened.
The family of the deceased had, on Tuesday, not yet made funeral arrangements.
You can read the full story on our App. Download it here.
