A Phoenix pensioner has been left homeless after a fire gutted his house in 14 Pearlbrook Place, Brookdale, on Monday, at around 10am. Timothy Nair, 64, is seeking help from the community and the relevant authorities as he finds himself having to sleep in his vehicle.
Speaking to Phoenix Tabloid, Nair explained that there was no power in Brookdale the previous night from 7pm until 12.30pm the following day. He said that he and his girlfriend, Fathima, had returned home from the shop after buying food. They were preparing to eat when they heard a loud noise coming from the bedroom. “It sounded like glass shattering. When I opened the door I found myself engulfed in thick, black smoke,” said Nair. His son, Jessie, 34, was outside talking to the next door neighbour. They saw the smoke and shouted for help. Jessie explained that he broke the burglar bars and rescued Fathima through the window but he could not see his father. He searched for him in the thick smoke. “I called out to my father and I could barely hear him as he having difficulty breathing. Three community members known as Yusuf, Marsala and Leon came over to assist. The men rescued my dad from the other bedroom.”
Fathima explained that she is diabetic, asthmatic and suffers from hypertension. “There was so much of smoke, I couldn’t breathe but once Nair was found and removed from the smoke-filled house, I felt better. It all happened within seconds. It took approximately 20 minutes for the house to burn to the ground. All household contents have been destroyed. Nothing could be salvaged. We do not have water and electricity as the pipes and cables have been burnt, “ said Fathima. Nair suffered burn wounds to his leg, fingers, head and ears and had to be taken by ambulance to the clinic. Jessie suffered injuries to his hand when he broke the window and burglar bars to save Fathima. He also suffered burns to his leg, has torn muscles and an injured leg. Nair said that his son is unemployed. “At this time of a Covid pandemic how are we supposed to cope with no water and electricity? Our neighbour’s are supplying us with meals and hot drinks. Fathima and I are sleeping in the van whilst my son sleeps on a mattress outside the burnt house. We are afraid that thieves will steal the copper and wiring from our house,” said Nair.
All emergency services such as the fire brigade, ambulance and metro services were at the scene of the fire. The Phoenix Fire Department confirmed the fire took place and are busy investigating the cause of the fire. Glen Naidoo of KZN VIP said: “The KZN VIP Command Centre was contacted by residents in the Brookdale area complaining of a house on fire. A man in the house was trapped and freed by his son. The son sustained injuries to his hand by broken glass. He was treated by VIP medics and released. The house has been totally gutted. The family requires help with clothing, shelter and food.” Nair said that the house was a family home and he lived with his wife and son there until she passed away. The house consists of three bedrooms, two lounges, kitchen and bathroom with toilet. Nair said that he is intent on rebuilding his home but for now they need a shelter over their heads and would appreciate any help from the community and government. For more information contact : Timothy Nair on 0729002080
