Paarl Fire Claims Lives

Paarl fire claims six lives

Two men, a woman and three children have lost their lives and an as yet undetermined number of people have been injured or left homeless after a fire broke out in Chicago, Paarl East, in the Western Cape in the early hours of this morning (Friday, 29 May 2020). The fire has been extinguished and one Fire Services crew of Drakenstein Municipality is still on the scene.

Alderman Conrad Poole, Executive Mayor of Drakenstein Municipality, has expressed his condolences to the families of six victims of the fire. “On behalf of Drakenstein Municipality, I extend our heartfelt sympathies to the loved ones of the victims, as well as those who suffered injuries in this fire. The entire community has been shaken by this tragedy.” Executive Mayor Poole added that the Municipality would do everything within its mandate to assist those affected by the fire.

The forensic department of the South African Police Service (SAPS) is currently investigating the cause of the fire. An undetermined number of structures were destroyed and adjoining rental flats were also damaged in the blaze.

Once the SAPS have concluded their work at the scene, the Municipality will do an assessment of the damage and disaster relief assistance will be arranged. More information will be provided as and when it becomes available.

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