Two residents, presumably a couple, and their dog died in a fire at an estate at Onrus in the early hours of this morning (Friday 15 May).
The fire broke out shortly before midnight on 14 May at the Fernwood Villas Estate in Waterberry Road, according to fellow residents and witnesses. Emergency services, including the Overstrand Fire Department, responded swiftly and within minutes were at the scene where flames had engulfed apartment number 3, according to witnesses.
Their dog, described by neighbours and residents of the estate as a Jack Russel, also died in the fire.
The bodies of the deceased – believed to be two people in their 80s – had not yet been identified, according to a Hermanus police spokesperson, who added the cause of the fire was still unknown and had yet to be confirmed. However, a power surge as the cause of the fire was being investigated. “No foul play is suspected,” the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, residents and witnesses have speculated that the fire may have been triggered by a gas explosion or a faulty power surge, possibly linked to Eskom infrastructure.
Residents had not had power since Sunday morning. They also claimed the power was restored yesterday afternoon before going off again after a few hours.
Authorities have also not yet confirmed whether the victims died from smoke inhalation or burns sustained during the blaze.
Residents said neighbours rushed to assist. Witnesses reported hearing loud shouting outside before the chairperson of the estate was called to the scene.
One neighbour, who lives next door to the unit, reportedly attempted to contain the fire using a hosepipe before alerting the estate chair; however, the fire was out of control.
Residents claim that the couple had been in poor health, the woman reportedly bedridden, which may have hindered any attempt to escape the flames.
The scene remained active on Friday morning (15 May) as officials continued investigations and forensic processes while ensuring that no other resident was injured or hurt by the fire.
NovaNews reached out to the Overstrand Fire Department for comment, but it had not at the time of publication.
