KNYSNA NEWS FLASH - It's been a black Sunday in Knysna.
A devastating fire raced through Oupad (an informal settlement on the East side of Knysna) early this morning claiming 3 lives.
One person was also killed in an accident on the N2 this afternoon.
"It has been confirmed that we sadly lost three adults, two males and one female, to the fire," said Knysna Acting Municipal Manager, Bevan Ellman. He explained that the Knysna Fire Department received a call at 03:03. "By 03:30, after bringing the flames under controlled, they confirmed the loss of lives." he said.
The Knysna Municipality is adamant to fight this scourge of informal settlement fires. "We have joined forces with Eskom in an drive to educate the public on the dangers of fires and how to fireproof homes. Our Fire Department are in the final stages of the roll-out of fire detection devices in our informal settlements," said Ellman.
Knysna Executive Mayor expressed her heartfelt sorrow at the loss of lives and said: "I am absolutely devastated. My heart goes out to the families of the deceased. As I have said so often before, one life lost to fire, is one life to many. Our Provincial Government has recently committed to assist in the installation of fire detection devices. We have to do everything in our power to curtail this evil.
"In the interim I appeal to all informal settlement residents to ensure that they fireproof their homes. Our Fire Department is more than willing to share their expert knowledge with you. Please approach them and/or your Ward Councillor for help in doing this."
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Information courtesy of Knysna Municipality Communications Department.
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