Two people believed to be an adult and a child have died after a fire broke out at an informal settlement in Hout Bay on Friday morning.
City Fire and Rescue Services Divisional Commander, Edward Bosch, says another adult female was treated for smoke inhalation while a man and woman were left with third-degree burns.
A total of 30 hokkies burnt and 90 people were left homeless.
Tests will be conducted to determine the gender and age of the people burnt beyond recognition inside a shack near Salamander Road.
Bosch explains: “Just after 2am on Friday, the City’s Fire and Rescue Services responded to numerous wood and iron structures [which were]alight against the mountain slopes at Salamander Road, Hout Bay.
“Eight fire engines and three water tankers and a rescue vehicle with 48 firefighters responded to the incident.
“It took firefighters just over five hours to bring the fire under control.
“Thirty wood and iron structures were destroyed by the fire, leaving 90 persons displaced.
“One adult female suffered smoke inhalation and was treated on scene.
“An adult male and adult female received third-degree burns. Two persons of unknown gender received fatal burns.
“The cause of the fire is undetermined.”
genevieve.serra@inl.co.za