A devastating fire swept through the Kennedy Road informal settlement early Saturday morning, resulting in the tragic deaths of two residents and leaving over 150 people homeless. The victims included an adult woman and a young child, both of whom succumbed to severe burn injuries.
Emergency Response and Damage Assessment
Local authorities reported that emergency crews from the eThekwini municipality rushed to the scene shortly after midnight. Firefighters battled the flames that ultimately consumed approximately 122 makeshift homes in the densely populated community.
“Our teams responded immediately to this heartbreaking incident,” stated a municipal spokesperson. “The preliminary assessment indicates the fire may have started from an unattended cooking source, though investigations continue.”
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Government Officials Mobilize Relief Efforts
KwaZulu-Natal’s Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department has activated disaster response protocols. MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi has directed relief teams to provide immediate assistance to displaced families.
“This tragedy underscores the vulnerability of informal settlements during winter months,” Buthelezi remarked. “We implore all residents to exercise extreme care with heating and cooking devices as temperatures drop.”
Winter Safety Warning Issued
With a cold front bringing chilly weather and rain to the region, officials have intensified fire safety awareness campaigns. The MEC specifically cautioned against the use of open-flame heaters and unattended cooking fires in confined spaces.
Buthelezi is scheduled to visit the affected area on Monday to coordinate long-term support for victims. Meanwhile, local organizations are collecting donations of blankets, clothing, and non-perishable food items for those who lost everything in the blaze.
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The community remains in shock as they begin the difficult process of rebuilding their lives amid the winter chill. Counseling services have been made available to help residents cope with the trauma of losing loved ones and possessions in the catastrophic fire.