Flat gutted by fire at Reuven Old Age Home
Norman is believed to be mentally disturbed, he never cleans himself and raids all the dustbins at night to collect all kinds of rubbish.
REUVEN – Residents at Reuven were woken on Saturday morning December 6 at about 05:00 by the crackling sound of fire and a strong, unbearable stench from burning plastic and wood.
The fire caused considerable damaged to the contents and the building. The occupant, Mr Norman van Ass (62), was admitted to hospital for toxic gas inhalation.
According to the neighbour, Mr Roy Knox, who was awoken by the strong smell of gas, he found Norman still inside the smoke-filled, burning flat and took him to safety. Meanwhile some of the residents tried to douse the fire with buckets of water. A lady nearby brought her garden hose that eventually brought the fire under control.
Norman is believed to be mentally disturbed, he never cleans himself and raids all the dustbins at night to collect all kinds of rubbish, some say it is plastic bottles and cardboard; his flat was stacked with a number of the plastic bags filled with rubble. A few months ago, Norman was taken away by a social worker to be admitted to an institution; he later escaped and returned to his flat.
A number of residents have complained to the manager, Mrs J. Jacobs, suggesting that Norman be admitted to a mental hospital where he will be properly treated and cared for. He has been making open fires inside his flat to cook and uses candles to light up the place. He never uses prepaid electricity and talks loudly and aggressively to himself, as if he is engaged in an argument with someone.
“The flat is in a mess, it’s dirty with an unbearable stench, the walls and windows are all blackened by the smoke, and he never cleans the place and will not allow anyone to help him to clean the place. Inside there is a continued water leakage, his flat is always wet, soggy and smelly. While the place was on fire, some people said they saw a number of rats and mice running for cover,” said a neighbour.
Mr Roy Knox, living next to Norman, said that he complained several times to the Manager, Mrs Jacobs, but she does nothing to assist.
“I recently wrote her a letter to complain about the neighbour, who continuous to make fire in his flat. Water seeps from his flat into mine. My floors are always wet and damp, my carpet and bedding are ruined. I sometimes find it difficult to live in the flat, because of the unhealthy situation. I asked Mrs Jacobs to transfer me to another flat, I just get no answers from her. I really don’t know where to turn for help,” said a disheartened Knox.
