GEORGE NEWS - Four people, including a mother (54) from Thembalethu and her two children of six months and four years old, were rushed off to hospital on Saturday 19 June after a gas cylinder exploded in their house.
According to Thembalethu police communications officer, Capt Dumile Gwavu, the cylinder exploded when the mother lit a match to prepare food and the house caught fire.
"The mother, the children and a 54-year-old man who is the owner of the house, were injured in the blaze and taken to hospital with serious injuries," Gwavu said.
The fridge and other household goods were also damaged during the blaze in Mbafal Street, Zone 4.
Police are asking residents to be vigilant and take caution when using gas cylinders.
Safety tips when using gas
- Have matches ready before switching on the gas to prevent the gas from spreading into the house;
- Ensure all cylinders are tightly closed after use at all times;
- The cylinders should be placed outside the house where possible;
- Those using homemade heaters must also take care not to go to sleep with the fire still burning.
Syferfontein woman dies in fire
A fire at a house in the informal settlement Syferfontein on Sunday evening claimed the life of one of the residents. When Pacaltsdorp police arrived at about 21:20, the emergency services were already on the scene.
"The body of a person was later found under the debris," said Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Christopher Spies. The identity of the deceased is yet to be determined.
An inquest docket was opened for further investigation.
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