Tragedy as baby dies in shack fire, mother hospitalized
A devastating fire claimed the life of a four-month-old baby and left the child’s 24-year-old mother injured after a blaze tore through a temporary structure they were sleeping in on Saturday night.
According to reports, the fire broke out while the mother and baby were asleep. Despite desperate efforts by residents to extinguish the flames, they were unsuccessful. The mother managed to escape with burn injuries and is currently recovering at Taylor Bequest Hospital.
Ward Councillor James Luthuli confirmed the heartbreaking incident, expressing deep concern over the living conditions in the area.
“This is a tragic and unacceptable situation,” said Cllr Luthuli. “There are 20 temporary structures in this area, originally installed in 2015 for people who couldn’t be allocated formal housing. I have been pleading with the department to provide proper homes for these residents to prevent tragedies like this.”
He added that a petition was submitted to the provincial legislature seeking urgent intervention, but no progress has been made.
“Residents are living in fear, especially with the windy season and the increasing risk of veld fires. Without action, this could happen again,” he warned.
The community is mourning the loss and calling for immediate steps to ensure safer living conditions.
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