Police probing shack blaze death in Nyanga

Cape Town – The cause of a shack fire in Nyanga Extension Two in which a man died is being investigated.

The fire broke out yesterday at about 1am, City Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson Jermaine Carelse

said.

“The fire started early in the morning, and upon the arrival it was found to be one informal structure alight.

“While busy with firefighting, the body of an adult male, who sustained fatal burn wounds, was discovered. The scene was handed over to the SAPS.

“The cause of the fire is still unknown,” he said.

Meanwhile, a City firefighter is recovering in hospital after he was injured while working to extinguish fires on five disused train carriages that were set alight at the shunting yard in Woodstock.

Carelse said 21 firefighters responded to the blaze at about 8pm on Sunday.

“One firefighter was injured and was taken to hospital. The initial response comprised five firefighting appliances, a rescue vehicle and 21 staff members.

“Disused wooden carriages on different railway lines were alight. This required additional resources being called to assist in containing the blaze.

“The fire was extinguished at 1.35am,” Carelse said. "The cause of the fire is still being investigated.

“Circumstances surrounding the cause of the fire is still unknown.

“The firefighter was not badly hurt. He was taken for treatment for an ankle injury,” Carelse said.

Cape Times