Survivors of Parow apartment building fire appeal for assistance with basic supplies, shelter
Remnants of an apartment block building in Parow between Tallent and Voortrekker Road that caught fire on 19 August 2024. Picture: Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - Some 40 residents of an apartment block in Parow are appealing to the public for assistance with basic supplies and shelter after a fire swept through their home earlier in the week.
The building, between Tallent and Voortrekker Road, caught fire on Monday, claiming the life of a five-year-old girl and leaving more than 120 people displaced.
Amongst those are 15 minors who are now sleeping on the street with their parents.
The caretaker of the building says he heard what sounded like a gas explosion on Monday evening and flames engulfed the first floor of the three story apartment. pic.twitter.com/ggSJ0kKzij
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) August 22, 2024
The five year-old victim was under the supervision of an aftercare facility inside the building when the incident happened. The father suspects negligence because his child is the only one that was left behind. Police say the incident is still under investigation.
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) August 22, 2024
The residents said they were told by City of Cape Town officials not to occupy the building, as it was a safety hazard.
"All of my stuff is burnt, and the money I was having, like R2,000, also was burnt," one resident said
"We have been sleeping outside now from the 19th and things are so tough. We struggle. we really do struggle. There are women with children. We are sleeping with different men outside because we don’t have anywhere to go at the moment," said another resident.
"I have two kids and a small baby, 2 months. We have been outside. I lost everything from the house," another said.
Authorities said the cause of the fire was still under investigation.