Tragic Shack Fire Claims Ten Lives in Eastern Cape

A series of shack fires in the Eastern Cape has resulted in ten fatalities, marking one of the region's most devastating domestic disasters in recent memory. The tragedies took place in Buffalo City Metro (BCM) and Nelson Mandela Bay Metro.

According to Spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu, the BCM fire occurred in the early morning hours in Ndevana, an informal settlement near eQonce. In this devastating incident, a mother aged 40 and her three young children, aged between three and ten, lost their lives. Despite desperate efforts, the neighbours could not manage to contain the fire.

The second incident occurred in Missionvale, causing the death of six family members, including two adults and four children. Unfortunately, their identities are yet to be confirmed.

Colonel Naidu stated that there are suspicions that an illegally connected electricity supply might be the root cause for these catastrophic fires. However, the exact cause will be determined following a thorough investigation by the fire department.

Both cases have prompted the opening of inquest dockets, and inquiries are ongoing.