Blaze destroys elderly couple’s home in Eldos
Neighbours called the fire station to report the incident but were told that the fire station in Eldorado Park did not have a fire engine to dispatch. They immediately went to the burning residence in hopes of extinguishing the blaze.
An elderly couple in Eldorado Park Extension Four lost their home last week due to a catastrophic fire that broke out in their bedroom. Absolom Bessit (96) and Rosy Bessit (86) were at their home when the fire broke out.
Absolom said, “I was in the bath when I felt a sudden heatwave. I decided to get out of the bath and when I opened the door I saw the flames, I immediately went outside, my wife was sitting outside- she did not even know the house was on fire.”
Neighbours called the fire station to report the incident but were told that the fire station in Eldorado Park did not have a fire engine to dispatch. They immediately went to the burning residence in hopes of extinguishing the blaze.
Lucian Watkins, the couple’s grandson said that they tried putting out the fire with a hose that was in the yard, to no avail. He said, “The fire was too big and it spread so much.” According to neighbours and relatives, a fire engine arrived about an hour later. “By then the damage had already been done. I’ve lived in this house for over 30 years but I watched it being destroyed within minutes,” said Rosy.
Emergency Management Services spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi confirmed that there was no fire engine at the Eldorado Park Fire Station which caused the delayed response to the Bessit’s plight.
Mulaudzi said, “The Jabulani and Protea Glen Fire Stations responded to the incident. However, the issue of a fire engine in the Eldorado Park area is being addressed at the highest level. A new fire engine should be designated to the area in a week’s time.”
The Bessits now live with one of their daughters in Diepkloof, Soweto. The pair hopes to have their home rebuilt and would appreciate any kind of assistance from the community.
Neighbours said, “Our hearts go out to them. Losing their home at this age is truly heartbreaking.” Lucian Watkins said that his grandparents’ demeanour has completely changed. “They are gutted and so heartbroken, we just thank God that they were not physically hurt,”
On June 13, four new fire engines were delivered to Eldorado Park, Lawley, Ivory Park and Florida Park. Mulaudzi said in a statement, “There have been a number of complaints from community members about the shortage and late arrival of emergency services units in most parts of the City of Johannesburg recently, hence the delivery of these new fire engines.”
