Fire in built environment

One person has died after a devastating fire tore through Malacca Road Informal Settlement in Ward 110 near Red Hill Cemetery in KwaZulu-Natal, destroying about 60 shacks in the early hours of Saturday.
The incident was confirmed by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements.
Departmental spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya said emergency services were alerted at about 4 a.m. and an integrated government response was activated.
“In the early hours of this morning we were contacted by a community leader in Malacca Road Informal Settlement Ward 110, around Red Hill Cemetery, alerting us about the death of one person in a devastating fire that destroyed 60 shacks.”
Sibiya said eThekwini Municipality emergency and disaster teams responded swiftly to extinguish the blaze and prevent further loss of life.
“Every second and every hour were dedicated towards the prevention of what could have been a severe devastation with many other lives lost.”
He said officials, working with community leaders, are trying to trace the relatives of the deceased, who has been identified as “Ntuli.”
The department extended its condolences to the family of the victim.
“We express our deepest condolences to the family. The death is being investigated by SAPS.”
Sibiya said a multi-agency team, including the Department of Human Settlements, and others is assisting affected residents.
“The team is composed of officials from Human Settlements, led by Head of Department Max Mbili, eThekwini disaster and human settlements, and the national Department of Human Settlements.”
He also expressed concern for vulnerable residents, particularly children exposed to harsh weather conditions following the fire.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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