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Family of Five Killed in Ekurhuleni Shack Fire as Teen Son Escapes
A Night of Horror in Steve Biko Informal Settlement
Late on Sunday night, a devastating shack fire tore through the Steve Biko Informal Settlement in Etwatwa, Ekurhuleni, claiming the lives of five family members, including three children. A teenage boy, who had been sleeping in an outside room, was the sole survivor.
Ekurhuleni’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) confirmed the tragedy, saying firefighters received a call just before midnight. Crews from the Etwatwa Fire Station, assisted by a team from Springs Central, rushed to the scene to find the family’s five-room shack already engulfed in flames.
“The structure, which had three bedrooms, a kitchen, and a dining room, was well alight upon arrival,” said DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi.
Firefighters launched a full suppression effort from two sides, battling the blaze until it was under control. Inside the charred remains, they made a heartbreaking discovery: the bodies of a father, mother, and their three children. Paramedics declared all five deceased on scene.
A Teenager Left Behind
According to officials, the family’s teenage son survived because he had been sleeping in a separate outbuilding just a few metres away. By the time he realised what was happening, it was too late to reach his family.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, though faulty electrical connections, paraffin stoves, and unattended candles remain common hazards in informal settlements.
A Recurring Reality in Informal Settlements
This tragedy mirrors another deadly fire that struck Olievenhoutbosch, Tshwane, earlier this year, also killing five people. In both cases, cramped living conditions, lack of firebreaks, and reliance on unsafe energy sources contributed to the disaster.
Despite ongoing awareness campaigns and emergency response improvements, shack fires continue to devastate families across Gauteng, often striking at night when residents are asleep and unable to escape in time.
Local authorities have urged residents to report illegal electricity connections, keep escape paths clear, and avoid leaving heating or lighting devices unattended. But for many living in overcrowded areas, those safety measures are easier said than done.
Community in Mourning
Neighbours and community members gathered at the scene the following morning, grieving and offering support to the surviving teen. Officials have confirmed that counselling will be provided to the boy and extended family members.
The City of Ekurhuleni extended its condolences, calling the fire a painful reminder of the ongoing risks faced by informal communities.
As investigators comb through the ashes, one thing remains certain: the tragedy has reignited calls for safer housing solutions and stronger emergency infrastructure for those who need it most.
Also read: Chatsworth Child Rapist Abandons Bail After State Reveals Long Criminal Record
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: EWN
