One dead as fire destroys more than 40 shacks in Pretoria informal settlement
Residents were urged to practise safe cooking and heating, keep flammable materials away from open flames and avoid unsafe electrical connections.
A fatal fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday morning, claiming the life of a resident and destroying over 40 shacks in the Bagdad informal settlement located in Salvokop, Pretoria West. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, where they found the body among the rubble. The city's Emergency Services Department spokesperson, Nana Radebe-Kgiba, confirmed the incident and stated that the department had received an emergency call.
Multiple resources were dispatched to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further, indicating the significant risk posed by the closely packed structures in the densely populated settlement. While more than 40 shacks were affected, the complete damage assessment and the number of residents impacted were not yet available.
The city has extended its condolences to the deceased's family, and authorities are working to confirm the exact number of missing residents. The public has been warned against circulating unverified information regarding the incident.
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