A fire at the Zamimpilo Informal Settlement west of Johannesburg killed four-year-old twins and destroyed eight shacks on Tuesday morning. A 42-year-old man who tried to rescue the children was injured. Local officials are now working to provide shelter and support for the affected families.
Councilor Msimelelo Lobi said disaster management teams are responding to the scene. The teams will assist with immediate needs while donations of clothes and blankets are being requested from the community.
The blaze broke out during a police and military operation in the area. Residents reportedly fled their homes and left a stove unattended while cooking.
Lobi confirmed that shelter will be arranged for the eight displaced families. He noted that further support from disaster management is expected shortly.
The twins died in the incident, which swept through the informal settlement early on Tuesday.
