Two Killed in Devastating Shack Fire in Nigel’s Snake Park

Two Killed in Devastating Shack Fire in Nigel’s Snake Park

 A heartbreaking tragedy struck the community of Snake Park in Nigel, Ekurhuleni, when a shack fire claimed two lives in the early hours of Sunday morning.

According to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) spokesperson Maswati Mdluli, the fire broke out around 03:00 AM, completely engulfing a 3+1 roomed shack by the time firefighters arrived. Community members reportedly tried to contain the flames, but the inferno was already out of control.

🚨 Burnt Beyond Recognition

Emergency teams discovered two bodies burnt beyond recognition inside the structure during their search and recovery operations. It is believed that the victims were trapped inside when the fire broke out.

An eight-year-old child, miraculously, survived the fire with minor burn injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent care.

🔍 Cause Still Unknown

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with officials yet to determine what sparked the deadly blaze. However, winter months in South Africa are notorious for an increase in informal settlement fires, often linked to open flames, paraffin heaters, or electrical overloads.

🗣️ Authorities Urge Vigilance

Local authorities are urging residents living in informal housing areas to take extra fire safety precautions, especially as temperatures drop and heating methods become more hazardous.

“These tragedies are preventable. Please be vigilant when using heaters, candles, and stoves,” EMS urged in a public statement.

🕯️ Community in Mourning

As the investigation continues, the Snake Park community is left in mourning, grappling with the loss of two lives and the trauma endured by a surviving child.

Support services are being made available for affected families, and local leaders are calling for stronger fire prevention efforts across Ekurhuleni’s informal settlements.