Man dies as fire sweeps through informal settlement home

A man has lost his life in a shack fire in Phola Park, Ekurhuleni.

The deadly blaze erupted in the early hours of the morning, rapidly ripping through a two-and-a-half-room structure.

Community members were reportedly the first to respond, bravely attempting to contain the flames before firefighters could arrive at the scene.

Ekurhuleni Emergency Services later extinguished the fire and subsequently handed the scene over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) to determine the cause of the fatal incident.

Emergency Services Spokesperson, Maswati Mdluli, issued a strong warning to residents following the tragedy:

"We urge the community to exercise caution when using heating appliances during this period of dropping temperatures in the province. Appliances should always be used safely and in the presence of a responsible adult. For all life-threatening emergencies, please contact our Ekurhuleni Emergency Control Centre."