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 when she got a call
from her domestic worker informing her that the house was on fire.
“My husband and I left for work this morning leaving my
helper with my 83-year-old aunt in the house, only to be called later about our
burning house. I immediately told her to get my aunt and leave the house while
I call the fire department,” she explains
Van der Westhuizen says her aunt, a Parow resident, had just
had an operation and is staying with them while she recovers.
Magdelena Adoonis, who started working for the Van der
Westhuizens today, says she was busy cleaning the bathroom when she smelled smoke.
“I thought it came from the lawnmower next door but when I
came out of the bathroom the scent became stronger,” she says, still shocked.
“When I opened ‘Ouma’s bedroom, I was almost blinded by the
flames. I quickly closed the door and ran to the street to find help.”
She says the elderly woman was in the living room, unaware
of the situation a few feet away from her.
“Some motorists stopped to help and we managed to get Ouma
safely out of the house.”
When TygerBurger arrived on the scene, firefighters were
still struggling to put out the fire. The area was filled with people eager to
see what was happening, police taking statements and traffic officials
diverting traffic.
