250 shacks gutted by fire in Tshwane
Several community members from an informal settlement in Olievenhoutbosch suffered minor burns in a fire that destroyed over 250 shacks.
Hundreds of people lost their homes and personal belongings in a devastating fire in the Mahlangu informal settlement in Olievenhoutbosch, near Centurion, this morning.
According to Tshwane Emergency Services’ acting spokesperson Lindsay Mnguni, several people suffered minor burns and smoke inhalation and were transported to a medical facility.
He says the fire was extinguished at about 04:50.
“Emergency services responded to the scene [just] after 01:41.”
Multiple shacks were on fire and about 250 were destroyed.
The cause of the fire is unknown.
The deputy chairperson of the Olievenhoutbosch CPF, Ruth Senoamadi, says the affected residents were taken to the Olievenhoutbosch SAPS to arrange a place to sleep.
“We are engaging with a few churches and we hope we will get a place that will accommodate the affected residents.”
Mabaso says emergency services will intensify public awareness campaigns at the informal settlement to generate awareness around fire safety and disaster risk reduction.
City teams deployed to deal with informal settlement fire, and MMC Ofentste Madzebatela will arrive on site by 1pm.
Via @CityTshwane @CilliersB https://t.co/zFygDmVRIs
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) September 8, 2024
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