EIGHT people have died in a fire at at an orphanage in Parlock, KwaZulu-Natal Emergency Services confirmed on Thursday morning. The fire is thought to have started in the boys quarters. KwaZulu-Natal EMS’ Robert McKenzie said that the call for help came at around 2am this morning.
He confirmed children were among the deceased.
“Eight people were killed, some of the children were aged between 8 and 21. Four people were hospitalised, three for smoke inhalation, while the fourth suffered lacerations from the fire. Most of the oraphange structure was damaged in the fire,” he said.
The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Heartbreaking. A fire at an orphanage in Durban has claimed at least 8 lives. Age range of those killed: 8 to 21 years old (via @ewnupdates)
— Sibongile Mafu (@sboshmafu) July 14, 2016
Heartbreaking. Tragic start to the morning! @ewnreporter A fire at an orphanage in Durban has claimed 8 lives. Several children have died.
— Aki Anastasiou (@AkiAnastasiou) July 14, 2016
This is so sad. Praying for all involved! https://t.co/VzBqWy8QDI
— Hero Burn Foundation (@HeroBurn) July 14, 2016
