Four injured as approximately 400 shacks burn down in Pretoria East

Four people suffered burns after a fire gutted approximately 400 shacks at the Cemetery View informal settlement in Woodlands, Pretoria East just before midnight on Sunday.  

SHACKS BURN DOWN IN CEMETERY VIEW, PRETORIA EAST

Tshwane Emergency Services spokesperson, Charles Mabaso said multiple explosions of what is thought to be gas cylinder bottles could be heard during firefighting operations at the incident. 

Mabaso said the total number of shacks that burnt down was estimated to be 400 during the incident. 

“An assessment is however under way to determine the exact number of shacks and households affected. Disaster Management and Social Development officials are on the ground conducting the assessment. A local church is housing some of the affected.

“Four people (gender and age not yet determined) were transported by a private ambulance service, one is apparently in a critical condition and the others are in a serious but stable condition.” 

Tshwane Emergency Services spokesperson, Charles Mabaso

Mabaso added that Fire Safety officials have been dispatched to try and determine the cause of the fire which is unknown at the moment.

Cemetary View. This is the settlement behind woodlands Mall next to Lewende Woord in Pretoria East.

Sanet Fagan from SA Cares For Life said most of the village was affected and they are still counting the amount of shacks that burnt down. Fagan urged people to donate in order to assist those affected. 

“We need clothing for men, women and children, pots and pans, food, bedding and blankets,” Fagan said.

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