Residents recount deadly fire at Die Anker Tehuis
The double-storey building’s upper floor was severely damaged as that is where the fire started.
A fire at Die Anker Tehuis, located at the corner of Victoria Street and Bruce Street in Germiston, claimed one life and left a dozen elderly residents displaced last Thursday.
According to residents, the fire broke out around 08:45.
Brilliant Rampamba, who lives opposite the home, witnessed the incident.
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“I was inside the house and heard people screaming outside. I rushed out and saw smoke.
“The front door was locked, so I had to break it to gain access. It was terrifying, but we knew we had to help the elderly,” he said.
Rampamba described the fire escalating quickly while waiting for the fire brigade.
“As residents, we decided to start helping the elderly out because some of them are very old. We even had to use a step ladder to get one person down from the top floor through a window,” he added.
William Ntladi, spokesperson for Ekurhuleni Fire Services, reported that the building was “well alight” when firefighters arrived, with parts of the roof collapsing.
“We started evacuating the residents while the other crew worked to suppress the fire.
“The upper floor of the double-storey building was severely damaged. However, there was a good intervention from the emergency services to prevent the fire from spreading to the rest of the building,” said Ntladi.
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He mentioned that 70% of the building was saved, and it took three hours to extinguish the fire, including “hotspot extinguishment” to prevent potential flare-ups.
The cause of the fire is still unknown. A total of 50 firefighters attended the scene with 11 fire engines. Despite the swift response, one person was tragically burnt beyond recognition.
Seven individuals were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation.
The incident has been handed over to the SAPS for further investigation, as it is now considered a crime scene due to the loss of life.
Germiston SAVF deputy chairperson Sally Nene expressed sorrow over the incident.
“The elderly have been allocated to other SAVF facilities, with most placed at Dean Bothma in Jansen Park.
“Others opted to go home to their families. Our social workers are offering all the necessary support to ensure they are comfortable in their temporary homes,” said Nene. She also requested donations to assist the displaced residents.
“They evacuated the building with nothing. Toiletries, clothes, and anything to help the elderly get back on their feet would be highly appreciated,” said Nene.
Donations can be dropped off at 22 Kinross Street, SAVF Herberg in Germiston.
