<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A family from Ridgeworth in Bellville has been left
\ndevastated after losing most of their possessions in a fire this morning, 9
\nMay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ingrid van der Westhuizen was at work when she got a call
\nfrom her domestic worker informing her that the house was on fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy husband and I left for work this morning leaving my
\nhelper with my 83-year-old aunt in the house, only to be called later about our
\nburning house. I immediately told her to get my aunt and leave the house while
\nI call the fire department,\u201d she explains<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Van der Westhuizen says her aunt, a Parow resident, had just
\nhad an operation and is staying with them while she recovers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Magdelena Adoonis, who started working for the Van der
\nWesthuizens today, says she was busy cleaning the bathroom when she smelled smoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI thought it came from the lawnmower next door but when I
\ncame out of the bathroom the scent became stronger,\u201d she says, still shocked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen I opened \u2018Ouma\u2019s bedroom, I was almost blinded by the
\nflames. I quickly closed the door and ran to the street to find help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She says the elderly woman was in the living room, unaware
\nof the situation a few feet away from her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSome motorists stopped to help and we managed to get Ouma
\nsafely out of the house.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When TygerBurger arrived on the scene, firefighters were
\nstill struggling to put out the fire. The area was filled with people eager to
\nsee what was happening, police taking statements and traffic officials
\ndiverting traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A family from Ridgeworth in Bellville has been left devastated after losing most of their possessions in a fire this morning, 9 May. Ingrid van der Westhuizen was at work 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