Three people have died in a fire that swept through the Kosovo informal settlement in Philippi during the early hours of Monday morning.  

The City’s Fire and Rescue Services confirmed that the blaze broke out shortly after 03:00, destroying several structures and leaving several residents without homes. 

According to the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, several crews were on the scene in Kosovo and firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze by 04:30. 

Carelse added that they estimate that six structures were destroyed, and 14 people were displaced.  

The discovery of the three victims’ bodies was made soon after the blaze was brought under control.  

“The bodies of three persons, gender and ages unknown, were discovered at around 04:20 with fatal burn wounds,” Carelse said.

Western Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, confirmed that the matter is being investigated. He added that two of the victims were 19 and 20 years old, while the age of the third victim is yet to be determined.  

“Samora Machel police… arrived in Kosovo informal settlement at about 07:00 they found the bodies of the three victims who sustained fatal burn wounds,” said Swartbooi. 

An inquest has been registered as police continue to investigate the cause of the fire. 

ALSO READ: Investigation into death of a couple in fatal Khayelitsha fire – Smile 90.4FM