Cape Town — The body of a six-year-old boy was found in a shack fire in Alexandra in Gauteng, the Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) confirmed.
According to EMS spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi, the team officials responded to a shack fire in Alexandra on Sixth Avenue when they made the shocking discovery.
“We can confirm that in the early hours of this morning, the City of Johannesburg Emergency Services responded to a double-story, four-roomed shack that, upon arrival was well alight. While we were conducting search and recovery operations, the body of a six-year-old was recovered during that incident and was confirmed dead on the scene by Gauteng EMS (Emergency Medical Services) paramedics,” Mulaudzi told Newzroom Afrika.
He said the cause of the fire remains unknown and he encouraged all residents to remain on alert over their hearing devices. He confirmed that the young boy was not alone at the house but unfortunately was the only casualty.
A six-year-old has died in a shack fire in Alexandra Avenue in Johannesburg. Johannesburg EMS says the body was discovered during a search and recovery operation. JEMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi says the cause of the fire is unknown at this stage.
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Police said they have noted several incidents where people have lost their lives to carbon monoxide poisoning due to the use of Imbaula (braziers).
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe has urged communities not to use coal-fuelled braziers indoors, The Citizen reported.
“Using coal-fuelled brazier indoors may seem like a convenient way to heat your home or cook meals, but it poses significant risks that can lead to severe health problems and even death. It’s crucial to understand these dangers and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family,” the report quoted Mathe as saying.
She said one of the most insidious dangers of using a coal-fuelled brazier indoors is the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
“Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that is produced when coal is burned. Without proper ventilation, carbon monoxide can quickly build up to dangerous levels. Inhaling this toxic gas can lead to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and in severe cases, unconsciousness or death.
Mathe urged residents to take precautions with heating appliances and are not advised to use them indoors.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
