Over the course of just two days, the City’s Fire & Rescue Service reported a devastating 14 fatalities, including seven young lives lost, across different areas of the metropolis. Here’s a breakdown of the harrowing incidents that unfolded over the weekend.
Hot Coals Indoors Prove Fatal
On Sunday, July 30th, tragedy struck a family in New Woodlands, Mitchells Plain. In an attempt to keep their home warm during the cold weather, they brought a drum of hot coals indoors. Unfortunately, the decision proved fatal as an oxygen deficiency led to the deaths of two adults. The family’s children were rushed to hospital but later succumbed to the same fate, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Galley Fire Hospitalizes Four
This was not an isolated event. Just over two weeks ago, on July 13th, four individuals in Uitsig had to be hospitalized after falling unconscious due to a “galley” fire that they made within their home.
Loss of Lives and Homes
The weekend saw the loss of an additional twelve lives across Khayelitsha, Delft, and Hout Bay. Five fires destroyed 11 dwellings, leaving many families homeless and destitute. The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre has since coordinated psycho-trauma and humanitarian assistance for the affected residents, while SAPS has launched an investigation into each of the individual fire incidents.
Urging Public to Prioritize Fire Safety
The city’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, expressed deep concern over these tragedies. He urged the public to prioritize fire safety, particularly during the cold weather. Leaving open flames or heating sources unattended, leaving children unattended, and making fires indoors without proper ventilation all pose significant risks, according to Smith.
Continued Enforcement Amidst Tragedy
In the midst of this tragedy, the City’s enforcement services continued their duties, making 311 arrests and issuing 54,863 fines for various violations over the past week. Cape Town Traffic Services made 55 arrests, impounded 306 public transport vehicles, executed 2,346 warrants of arrest, and recorded 48,882 traffic transgressions. Meanwhile, the Metro Police Department made 38 arrests, issued 2,525 traffic and by-law fines, and the Law Enforcement team made 218 arrests and issued 3,456 notices.
Prioritizing Safety to Minimize Risks
During these challenging times, it is essential for individuals to remain vigilant, prioritize safety, and cooperate with enforcement agencies to minimize risks and prevent further tragedies. The City’s Fire & Rescue Service has provided fire safety tips accessible here: https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/safety-in-the-home/basic-household-safety/fire-safety. By remaining aware and taking necessary precautions, we can only hope that such heartbreaking incidents can be averted in the future.
