Fire broke out in a frail care unit at old age home in Sonop in Madibeng local municipality on Friday 15 October 2021 around 16h00.
According to the officials who were on duty, fire broke out in one of the rooms of a female beneficiary on Friday afternoon and completely destroyed one room as well as some articles in that room. However, there was no loss of life or injuries to anyone in the inferno. Nearby residents came in and managed to control the fire after hectic efforts.
North West MEC for Social Development Boitumelo Moiloa said all the 44 beneficiaries in the frail care were evacuated safely and none of the officials were injured. Even those who reported to have inhaled smoke, Moiloa said were treated internally without any medical intervention.
“We are so pleased that no injuries or fatalities were reported during this incident. We are reeling in shock following this incident. This is a great challenge to us at a time when we are fighting the spread of Covid-19 in our facilities,” Moiloa said, adding that emergency services such as trauma counselling and health care services were rendered to beneficiaries by staff members. Moiloa said staff members will also receive de-briefing from the department’s employee and wellness personnel to enable them to continue to do their work without hesitation.
The Department of Public Works and Roads, Moiloa said will conduct further assessment on Monday to investigate the cause of fire and also provide specification for renovations of the affected block.
A case of arson has been opened at the local police in Madibeng.
ENDS.
Issued by North West Department of Social Development
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