Burnt body of man discovered after Pomona fire
The body of the man was discovered hours later during the search and rescue by DEMS.
A man was burnt beyond recognition in a fire that engulfed the informal settlement on EP Malan Road, Pomona, during the early hours of Tuesday.
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According to Eric Maloka, the spokesperson for DEMS, the fire is alleged to have started around 01:40.
“On arrival, the fire department found about 26 shacks were well alight and the team immediately began with measures to extinguish the blaze,” said Maloka on Tuesday morning.
“Over 30 firefighters were on scene extinguishing the fire until about 05:00.
“They then began with dampening down and initiated an intense search and rescue. This is when the body of the male was discovered.
“One other male patient was treated on scene for smoke inhalation.”
Maloka also said that about 100 shacks were estimated to have burnt down during the fire.
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“We have requested the disaster management team to do a head count to establish the exact amount of shacks burnt.
“Through this, we will also be able to identify just how many people have been affected,” explained Maloka.
“A candle and a brazier are suspected to be the cause of the fire.
“Investigators have been assigned and they will do a thorough investigation into the fire to determine the cause.”
Leon Ferreira (Boksburg), Albertina Sisulu Corridor, Farrarmere (Benoni), Ted Barber – Rynfield and Wadeville fire stations attended to the fire.
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“Various departments such as disaster management and human settlements are expected to visit the site to see how best they can assist the affected residents,” concluded Maloka.
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