Fire destroys hundreds of shacks in Johannesburg
Hundreds of people were left homeless as a fire swept through the Msawawa informal settlement in Kya Sands in Johannesburg on Wednesday night.
According to Johannesburg emergency services at least 200 shacks were destroyed.
Spokeswoman Nana Radebe said on Thursday it was not yet clear what caused the fire that roared through the informal settlement on Wednesday.
“Residents there say they saw one of the shacks on fire, there was no one inside. The cause of the fire is not yet known, an investigation is underway.”
She said alternative accommodation had been secured for the families overnight.
Humanitarian aid organisation Gift of the Givers was on site to help the destitute families. The organisation said it needed supplies such as blankets, new clothes, baby supplies, bottled water, eating utensils and hygiene products. - ANA
#KyaSandsFire those who have been affected are now being given food in the #Msawawa informal settlement @Slindelo_M pic.twitter.com/yigo6nK0xj
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) November 12, 2015@ANCJHB 2587 are on fire now Msawawa near kyasand pic.twitter.com/RghpImqRua
— modikwe billy (@modikwe_billy) November 11, 2015Updated photos from the Kaya Sands Fire. @_ArriveAlive @ewnupdates @SABCNewsOnline pic.twitter.com/Ro5R5hvUSi
— EMER-G-MED (@EMER_G_MED) November 11, 2015@EMER_G_MED on scene in Kaya Sands. In excess of 50 informal settlement houses on Fire.@ewnupdates pic.twitter.com/Zwc96jf7sG
— EMER-G-MED (@EMER_G_MED) November 11, 2015(Photo: @EMER_G_MED, Twitter)