Mother and 2-year-old daughter perish in Centurion fire
The mother managed to save her other child by throwing him out of a nearby window to safety.
22-year-old Nicolene Pretorius and her two-year-old daughter died after a fire in Pierre van Ryneveld earlier this week. Photo: Supplied
A young mother and her daughter died as a result of a fire in Pierre van Ryneveld in Centurion over the weekend, reports Centurion Rekord.
The fire claimed the lives of 22-year-old Nicolene Pretorius and her two-year-old daughter, Leoné.
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It completely destroyed the house where Nicolene and her two children were staying on Sunday evening. Pretorius shared the home with her parents Theo and Christelle Nagel.
Family member Clarize Pretorius said they found the home burning around 22:00.
“Theo had to break open the door to the children’s room,” said Clarize.
Nicolene acted quickly, throwing her four-year-old son out of a nearby window to safety. He sustained no injuries as a result of the fire.
Christelle Nagel also managed to escape the flames, but her husband sustained burn wounds.
Unfortunately, Nicolene’s two-year-old daughter perished in the flames, while her mother also sustained serious burn wounds.
Nicolene was transferred to Tembisa hospital, where she later died of her wounds on Monday afternoon.
“Theo is currently on a ventilator in Tembisa hospital,” said Clarize.
“At this stage Christelle, the grandmother, is trying to cope. She has received no counselling and the family are in desperate need of help.”
Theo and Christelle Nagel were staying in the home with Nicolene. Theo is currently on a ventilator in Tembisa hospital. Photo: Supplied
According to Clarize, no funeral arrangements have been made due to a lack of funds.
“We have asked anyone who can help to bring clothes and donations to 297 Eeufees Road. Our priority at this stage is to raise funds to bury our loved ones.”
The cause of the fire is unclear at this stage.
Anyone who wants to help the family can contact Centurion Rekord’s offices.
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