Emergency personnel respond to the scene of a devastating house fire in Johannesburg, where four young children lost their lives.
Image: Supplied
Four children, believed to be ages two and younger, died Monday morning in a house fire in Mayfair, west of Joburg, the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) confirmed.
EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said the incident occurred at around 11am.
“Our City of Johannesburg Emergency Management firefighters are responding to a house on fire incident in Mayfair, which was reported at around 11a.m this morning,” Mulaudzi said.
He said that upon arrival, firefighters began conducting firefighting operations.
“Unfortunately, there were about four bodies that were recovered, and our paramedics from GBG confirmed them dead on scene.
“All the deceased are believed to be minors.
“Their ages are believed to be from two and below,” Mulaudzi said.
“Another one, we've been told it may be one year-seven months, one year-nine months, and the other one might be a year or nine months or so. The average age is two years and below,” he added.
Mulaudzi said the cause of the fire is unknown at the moment.
“But it is alleged that there was a heating device which was in use just before the fire started in the room.”
He confirmed that the EMS fire investigating team is on site to probe the cause of the fire.
“They will be investigating what might be the cause of the fire incident, but from our side, we still continue to plead with our residents to ensure that they use heating devices safely during this winter season.”
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL