Shack fire claims lives of EC mother and 15-year-old daughter

A suspected candle-caused shack fire on Sunday morning, 13 August, in Nkonjane Street, Motherwell, took the lives of an Eastern Cape mother and her 15-year-old daughter tragically.

Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg, the spokesperson for the provincial police, stated that there are no suspicions of foul play. They have opened an inquest docket.

ALSO READ:Two children burnt beyond recognition in Mamelodi shack fire

WHAT CAUSED THE SHACK FIRE

Around 12:01 am, witnesses said two kids, aged 15 and 18, were asleep in the back flat. A candle was lit inside according to SAPS.

Shortly after midnight, the mother, who was elsewhere, saw the fire start in the structure,” Janse Van Rensburg clarified.

ALSO READ: Three children amongst six people killed in Gqeberha shack fire

MOTHER RESCUES ONE CHILD, AND PERISHES WITH THE OTHER

Nosicelo Ndabayini, 37, saved her 18-year-old daughter first, but when she returned to rescue 15-year-old Lelihle Ndabayini, the flames consumed her.

Both the mother and younger daughter died in the shack fire.

ALSO READ: Two sets of twins burnt beyond recognition in Mpumalanga shack fire

At this stage, it is suspected that the candle was the cause of the fire. No foul play is suspected, and investigations are continuing,” Janse Van Rensburg added.

The tragic event emphasizes the hazards of employing candles in inadequately built homes, particularly in winter when people often look for alternative heating methods.

ALSO READ:41 shacks razed within 14 days in Joburg’s informal settlement

SHACK FIRE CLAIMS THE LIFE OF A 26-YEAR-OLD MAN

On Tuesday morning, IOL stated that a shack fire occurred in Doornkop, Soweto, resulting in one person’s death.

The fire happened around 3 am, and a 26-year-old man’s body was found, apparently due to smoke inhalation.

ALSO READ: Two sets of twins burnt beyond recognition in Mpumalanga shack fire

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