A memorial service will be held on Wednesday evening for the mother and daughter who tragically died in a household fire in Strandfontein.
The victims, identified as Ruth and Kirsten September, sustained fatal burn wounds when their house caught alight early morning on Monday. The City’s Fire and Rescue Services says the incident was reported around 01:15. Spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse says they were also alerted to people trapped in the fire.
“Fire crews from Mitchells Plain, Ottery and Lakeside were dispatched to the scene. By 02:45, Firefighters managed to [extinguish] the blaze that gutted the house.”
Carelse says teams managed to rescue two other adults, identified as the father and second daughter of the family. They also sustained injuries in the fire, and are receiving treatment.
The South African Police Service is investigating the cause of a fire, while a building inspector looks into the “substantial structural damage” of the homes, added Carelse.
Sandy Schuter, of the Strandfontein Community Policing Forum, says the community is rallying around the affected family. She says the family was known and loved in Strandfontein, and nearby communities – noting that they are struggling to come to terms with the loss.
“As for the husband and the daughter, I can only imagine the unimaginable pain and grief that they must be experiencing right now… We will also ensure that they receive counselling and support for families and friends affected by this tragic loss.”
At the same time, a call has been made for donations to assist the family after the fire. Ward Councillor, Elton Jansen, says those who would like to donate can visit the Strandfontein ward office to do so.
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