An Earlbridge family is reeling from the loss of their home after a devastating fire destroyed the property in the early hours of Wednesday, 4 June. The fire, which tore through two flats on the premises, left the building completely gutted and the family with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
KZN VIP spokesperson Gareth Naidoo said the private security’s control centre received reports of a residential house fire at approximately 10:04am on Wednesday. “Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched, including KZN VIP response officers, tactical units, and medical personnel. Upon arrival, KZN VIP teams made contact with concerned community members at the scene. It was reported that a female resident was asleep at the time of the incident and was awakened by the smell of smoke. Upon investigation, she discovered that the house was already engulfed in flames. The origin of the fire remains unconfirmed, but the blaze spread rapidly, cutting off exits and trapping the occupants inside,” said Naidoo.
“The woman acted quickly, taking her child and seeking refuge in the bathroom. Fortunately, her brother, who was outside the premises, noticed the smoke and broke the bathroom window, enabling the mother and child to escape safely. Both individuals were treated on scene for smoke inhalation, while the brother received medical attention for injuries to his hand, sustained during the rescue,” added Naidoo.
The homeowner, who was in Johannesburg at the time, shared the harrowing account of how he received the news. “I was in Johannesburg when I received a call about a fire that broke out at my property. I was told the fire started in one of the bedrooms and quickly spread throughout the entire house. We don’t know how the fire started in the room. My wife and 2-year-old baby were in the bathroom – the smoke filled the house so fast, they couldn’t get out as the doors were blocked by flames. In a desperate attempt to save them, family members and neighbours acted quickly, breaking down the bathroom window and burglar guard to pull them to safety, moments before the flames could reach them. If they were stuck in there for even a minute longer, I don’t want to think what could have happened.”
While the family is grateful to have escaped the fire, the material loss is devastating. “We lost everything in minutes – furniture, clothing, electronics, essential documents, my kids’ toys and cherished moments. We humbly appeal to the community at large, to help us rebuild our lives. Everything we’ve worked so hard for is gone and we are asking anyone who is able to assist in any way, to please help us get back on our feet,” said the homeowner.
Ward 48 Councillor Michelle Lutchman said: “The fire that tore through the residential properties in Earlbridge is a deeply tragic incident. I have personally visited the affected families, and disaster management has been contacted to provide them with assistance. The affected families have lost everything and our hearts go out to them during this incredibly difficult time. We are sincerely grateful to the eThekwini Fire Department for their swift and courageous response, and to the local residents whose quick thinking and bravery helped ensure that lives were saved.”
She said: “This incident is a stark reminder of the importance of having fully functional emergency fire hoses and safety equipment in all residential flats. Additionally, the lack of structural damage insurance means these families now face the daunting task of rebuilding their homes entirely on their own. At this stage, the cause of the fire remains unknown. We are appealing to the public and local stakeholders to come forward with any form of assistance to help these families rebuild their lives.”
The family of five is appealing for assistance with roofing, tiling, windows, walls, furniture, beds, appliances, and electric components for the home, burglar guards, kitchenware, paint, toiletries, and clothing for children aged 2 and 7 years old, as well as adults. For more information on how you can lend a helping hand, contact Niel on 060 982 7394.
