Three people have died in fires in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro
over the course of this weekend.
In the first incident, two people died after their dwelling
in an informal settlement in KwaNobuhle went up in flames in the early hours of
this morning, December 5.
Police spokesperson, Capt. Gerda Swart, said that police
responded to a complaint in Vuba Street at approximately 03:00 when they
noticed that an informal home was on fire.
“The fire department was already on the scene, busy
extinguishing the fire. Two bodies, an unknown male and unknown woman, were
discovered in the debris,” Swart said.
“The names of the victims will be released once their next-of-kin
have been notified. Investigations are continuing,” she added.
Police have opened an inquest docket.
In a separate incident at approximately 04:00 this morning,
a 42-year-old man died after his flatlet burnt down in Xesi Street, New
Brighton.
It is alleged that last night, the man and his friends were
drinking together at the flat when the light bulb fused.
Police spokesperson, Col. Priscilla Naidu, said that the man
allegedly lit a candle and propped it up on a speaker.
“At about 04:00, residents alerted police of the fire. The
man had already burned to death,” Naidu said.
“An inquest is under investigation. His identity will be
withheld until his next-of-kin has been traced,” she added.
She urged residents to ensure that burning candles and lamps
are extinguished before going to bed as most fatalities are caused through
negligence.
