An inquest docket has been opened by Bishop Lavis police after six people – two adults and four children lost – their lives due to fatal burn wounds in Bonteheuwel.
This after a fire broke out at a house in Netreg Street during the early hours of Wednesday 26 October.
According to Bishop Lavis police spokesperson, Captain Marie Louw police were called to the scene of the fire at about 02:45 where residents were found trying to extinguish the fire.
“The fire department also arrived at the scene and after extinguishing the fire found the bodies of the two adult women aged 20 and 25 and the four children aged between one and eight,” Louw says.
She says the cause of the fire is being investigated.
In the
meantime the family of the victims are receiving psycho-social support and
other assistance from the provincial social development department.
The MEC of
social development, Albert Fritz visited the family today to
express his condolences and says the department has dispatched social workers from
their Metro North regional office to conduct trauma and bereavement
counselling, to remaining family members, especially to the children.
“This
tragic incident has left the remaining family members and neighbours deeply
affected,” he says.
Fritz adds
that as we head into summer, generally seen as the “fire season” the department
will continue to render support services to affected families and communities.
“Our Social
Relief of Distress programme will also provide any needed support, such as
food, clothing and a temporary grant to assist the family through this tough
time,” he says.
