Abandoned building in Sunnyside, two people died in a basement photo supplied
By Nana Radebe-Kgiba
Deputy chief: Public information and liaison services
The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department through the Emergency
Command Centre received a structural fire call just after 4am this morning, Firefighters from Central and Hatfield Fire Stations found the De Williershof residential building (Block1 basement) engulfed with flames and immediately started firefighting operation.
Prior to this, the initial structural fire incident was reported to the Emergency Services Department at 01h15 at the same building on Block 2, where seven (7) rooms on the ground floor burned and fortunately no casualties were reported.
On arrival at the building’s Block 1, the firefighters’ crew started with search and rescue as the residents could not confirm if everyone had managed to evacuate the abandoned building.
Two bodies were discovered in the basement where the residents have converted the basement to a residential area with board divisions.
The two people died of smoke inhalation as they could not evacuate the basement.
The Emergency Services Department Fire Safety officers will conduct preliminary
investigations to determine the cause fire.
When reporting an emergency, please remain calm, speak clearly, know where you are to give the correct address, and give your correct contact number so that the operator can phone you back, should they need to do so.
The organisation promises to adhere to one of our foremost regulations which deal with keeping our commitment within our mandate which is to save lives and
property.
We further call on residents to be vigilant and to immediately report any fire or rescue incident by calling 107 toll-free or alternatively calling 012 358 6300/6400.