A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in the early hours of this morning when a shack fire claimed the lives of a family of five in Olievenhoutbosch, Centurion, Pretoria.
Emergency services responded to the scene shortly after the blaze was reported, but it was too late to save the occupants of one of the homes that was completely engulfed in flames. The victims included two adults and three children, who were trapped inside the structure as the fire tore through it.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire broke out just before sunrise. Neighbours recalled waking up to the sound of screams and seeing flames lighting up the sky. Despite desperate efforts by residents to put out the fire using buckets of water and sand, the fire spread too quickly and proved uncontrollable.
City of Tshwane Emergency Services spokesperson Charles Mabaso confirmed the fatal incident, stating that the cause of the fire is still under investigation. “When our teams arrived, the shack was already reduced to ashes. Sadly, five lives were lost inside that home. It’s a deeply painful incident,” Mabaso said.
The exact cause of the blaze has yet to be determined, but officials say that faulty electrical connections and open flames used for heating or cooking are common fire hazards in the area. Many homes in informal settlements rely on makeshift electricity setups and paraffin stoves, which significantly increase the risk of fires.
Residents of Olievenhoutbosch are mourning the loss, describing the deceased family as friendly and well-known in the community. One neighbour, visibly emotional, shared: “They were such a warm family. The children used to play outside almost every day. It’s hard to believe they are gone.”
Community leaders have voiced concerns over the recurring dangers faced by people living in informal settlements. They are urging the government to improve housing conditions and implement more effective fire safety measures to prevent further loss of life. “We need long-term solutions,” said a local councillor. “People shouldn’t have to risk their lives just to have a roof over their heads.”
The tragedy highlights the ongoing challenges facing many South Africans living in overcrowded and poorly serviced areas. Limited access to emergency services, narrow pathways that delay fire response vehicles, and lack of fire hydrants are just some of the problems that make fires in informal settlements particularly deadly.
Officials from the City of Tshwane, along with social development representatives, have reached out to the victims’ extended family to offer counselling and assistance. Authorities have also promised to provide support to the community as a whole during this difficult time.
The names of the deceased have not been released yet, as officials are in the process of notifying their next of kin. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.