Unattended stove sparks devastating blaze in Masinenge Informal Settlement
A Midnight Tragedy in KZN
In the early hours of Thursday, December 26, 2024, a massive fire engulfed and destroyed 28 shacks in Masinenge Informal Settlement in KZN, displacing numerous residents. According to the Department of Human Settlements (DHS), the fire was allegedly caused by a resident who fell asleep while cooking under the influence of alcohol.
The Incident: How It Happened
The blaze reportedly started around 2 a.m. when an unattended stove caught fire. The individual, preparing a late-night meal, is believed to have fallen asleep, leading to the devastating incident.
DHS spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya confirmed, “The fire broke out in Masinenge Informal Settlement, Ward 03 under Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality, after a resident fell asleep while cooking intoxicated.”
Relief Efforts Underway
Fortunately, no fatalities were reported. However, the disaster has left many without shelter. Provincial officials and municipal teams are providing essential support, including blankets, food, and temporary shelter.
DHS Minister Thembi Simelane dispatched senior officials to the site early Thursday morning to coordinate relief efforts alongside local authorities. So far, 16 residents have been accounted for, while others remain away for the holidays.
“Our hearts are with the families who have been displaced. Sadly, some family members whose shacks have been destroyed are away on holiday,” said Sibiya.
A Reminder of Fire Safety
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of cooking while intoxicated. “We wish to warn communities about fire hazards involving cooking while intoxicated,” Sibiya emphasized.
A Broader Fire Crisis
This was not the only fire incident in KZN on the same day. A house in The Bluff, eThekwini, also caught fire around 5 a.m., displacing 22 adults and seven children. The structure, allegedly hijacked by multiple families, left two individuals with minor burns and a mother and son hospitalized briefly for smoke inhalation.
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