Olievenhoutbosch, Gauteng , A devastating shack fire has claimed the lives of a family of five in Olievenhoutbosch during the early hours of Saturday morning.
According to emergency services, the blaze broke out in one of the informal dwellings and quickly engulfed the structure, trapping the family inside. Neighbours attempted to extinguish the flames but were unable to save the occupants in time.
When firefighters arrived at the scene, the shack had already been reduced to ashes. The charred remains of two adults and three children were discovered inside. The exact cause of the fire is under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest that a heating device or electrical fault may have triggered the incident.
Local authorities and community leaders have expressed their condolences to the bereaved relatives and have once again called for urgent interventions to improve fire safety and infrastructure in informal settlements.
