A family of five burned to death when their living quarters went up in flames near Hartbeespoort on Sunday night.
Esme Labotske (25), JP Bingham (26) and their three children Benjamin (8), Marinique (3) and Luané (2) were trapped in the burning building when they could not find the security door’s key.
“Everyone tried to get the door open, but couldn’t. There was nothing we could do…” Shocked residents of the Purple Moss shelter on Monday told of the tragic events that claimed the young family’s lives.
According to residents at the shelter the family’s room went up in flames just before 21:00 during loadshedding. It is suspected that the fire was started by a candle. Residents were alerted by Benjamin’s cries for help. “He was standing by the security gate that was locked and they could not find the key. Residents tried to break the lock and the door but could not get it open. It was indescribably horrible,” a resident said. The fire spread to adjoining rooms and other areas of the shelter.
Hartbeespoort Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) responded and with the Brits fire department, extinguished the fire. The family of five was declared dead at the scene.
On Monday the approximate 63 residents of the shelter were still in shock. Many lost all of their belongings in the fire. The shelter’s food store burnt down, and many were homeless.
There is an urgent need for blankets, clothes and food. If anyone wants to contribute, please contact Elsa on 064 664 2060.
