Family members sustain severe facial burns following a fire at their home
Blaze destroys home in Extension Nine
A family in Eldorado Park Extension Nine lost their home due to a catastrophic fire, leaving a five-year-old and elderly woman with severe facial burns. Both have been admitted to Ahmed Kathtrada Hospital for treatment.
According to the family, the incident happened around 7am, while all the children in the front room were getting ready for school. The fire was caused by a gas tank that exploded in the living room.
According to Adielah Lanie, who is a family member, the fire engine arrived over an hour later and according to eyewitnesses, the fire engine did nothing to put out the fire.
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“By the time the fire engine arrived, neighbours had already used buckets of water and hoses to put out the fire. The fire engine arrived when the house was already burnt to ground,” said Lanie.
Neighbours confirmed that the fire engine was dispatched from Lawley. “When the neighbours called the fire station in Eldorado Park, they were told that there was no fire engine available,” said Lanie.
Frustrated residents are questioning the use of the fire station within the area. “What’s the use of a fire station when they do absolutely nothing for our community, there is always an issue when there are emergencies,” a neighbour said.
Councillor was contacted and said that he has requested for the matter to be investigated. “Not intending to water down this tragedy. However we have requested it to be investigated. That being said please note when our local fire Engine is engaged on another call. The call centre sends the one closest to the area that is available. It would either come from Kibler park, Riet Fontein, Lawley or Jabulani. Allow the department to investigate and provide feedback. Disaster management confirmed cause of fire was an exploded gas bottle,” the Councillor said.
The family is recovering well.
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