Shack Fire Claims Mother And Two Children In Bloemspruit

A devastating shack fire in Bloemspruit claimed the lives of a 43-year-old mother and her two children, aged eight and three, in the early hours of Saturday, March 22.

Horrific Discovery Amid the Ashes

Free State police spokesperson Sgt Mahlomola Kareli confirmed that officers responded to the alarm at around 2:45 AM, only to find the family’s shack completely destroyed by flames.

“Tragically, the mother and her two children were found inside the burned shack, and paramedics declared them deceased at the scene,” Kareli said.

 

A Candle Left Burning

According to preliminary investigations, an unattended candle in a room where the family’s older son usually sleeps is believed to have started the fire.

Authorities revealed that the boy was not home at the time, and upon his return, he raised the alarm.

Desperate Efforts to Save the Family

Neighbours rushed to help, using buckets of water to try and extinguish the raging fire, but the flames were too intense to contain.

Bloemspruit police have opened an inquest as they continue to investigate the exact cause of the fire and whether any further actions need to be taken.

This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of open flames in informal settlements, where lack of electricity often forces residents to rely on candles and paraffin lamps.

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