An unidentified man has died in a fire which has displaced 5000
people at Masiphumelele informal settlement near Kommetjie, the Cape Town Disaster Risk Management Centre said on Monday.
“The man was trying to escape from the fire, but unfortunately he was engulfed in the flames and died as a result,” spokesman Wilfred Solomons-Johannes said.
About 5000 people were displaced by the fire, which destroyed about 1500 shacks and a number of formal houses overnight. Thirty fire engines responded to control the blaze, which started just after midnight.
Cape Town's fire and rescue service spokesman Theo Layne told the SABC two firefighters were slightly injured.
The city would supply food parcels, blankets, baby packs and building material to those affected. Solomons-Johannes said community halls had been opened for those left homeless. -
Sapa