Forensic teams remove bodies of 4 children killed in Mayfair fire
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the fire, which broke out at a home used as a creche in the area, happened shortly after a heating device was used to keep the children warm.
Forensic teams at the scene of a fire on Monday, 19 May 2025, that killed four children in Mayfair in Joburg’s CBD. Picture: Jabulile Mbatha/EWN.
JOHANNESBURG - Forensic teams at the scene of a fire that killed four children in Mayfair, in Joburg's CBD, are currently removing the bodies from the scene at this hour as family members watch in devastation.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the fire, which broke out at a home used as a creche in the area, happened shortly after a heating device was used to keep the children warm.
Joburg emergency service teams are still on site, inspecting the area where the blaze flared up around 11 am on Monday.
It's unclear at this stage whether the creche was legally registered.
The families of the children whose lives were claimed by the fire this morning are reeling from shock as they watch forensic personnel carry the small bodies into a pathology van.
It's understood that the home was being used as a child care facility, looking after six children.
The tragic incident claimed the lives of four of the children, while the childminder and two other minors survived.
A large group of community members is watching on the sidelines this afternoon in shock, as the area on 8th Street in Mayfair has been cordoned off.
Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the deadly blaze.