A heroic man who saved two people from a burning house nearly died after he was burnt while trying to save a television.
Paul Wilson, 35, had already made sure that Theresa Jantjies, 46, and her eight-year-old granddaughter were safe before going back into the Hanover Park house.
The man from Johndown Walk in Hanover Park braved the flames for a second time to try and retrieve a flatscreen TV.
Theresa says: “We were already safe, but he wanted to get my 43 inch TV.”
“We all didn’t realise how big the flames were and he came out of the house literally on fire.
“I could not look, I was crying and people helped put out the fire with water.”
She says the police at the scene helped transport the badly injured Paul to the Heideveld Day Hospital.
His family was with him at the hospital yesterday when the Daily Voice visited the area.
Theresa believes the fire was started by a broken electricity box.
“I heard a noise coming from outside and I went to check what was going on,” she says.
“I knew the sound was that of electricity, I checked the pole and my sister’s box and saw sparks.”
She says when she went back into the house, the fire started.
“Other people managed to get out and I was trapped inside the house,” Theresa explains.
“Paul came and kicked the door open, he got my granddaughter out first and then came back for me.”
Theresa adds: “We only have what we are wearing.”
Anyone who would like to help the family with clothing, food and furniture can contact Theresa on 065 147 1889.
mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za