Residents of Broadwalk Urban Village in Midrand lost everything after a fire destroyed their homes on Heritage Day.
“I was cooking at 8.30pm when the alarm went off,” one man told Newzroom Afrika.
“This time was different. Everyone was screaming in the passage,” he said.
“I couldn’t grab my work laptop, TV, or anything else. My car is all I have left.”
A female resident said: “I only have this gown I’m wearing and my car. That’s it.”
Another couple fled with just their mobile phones.
“We hear the alarm often, but security usually sorts it out,” a resident explained.
“Yesterday was different.”
Residents believe the fire started in one woman’s flat. They don’t know where she is now.
While temporary housing was offered, residents are frustrated by the lack of information.
“We got decent accommodation last night, but we have no idea what will happen next,” one resident said.
Many stood outside in pyjamas and gowns—the only clothes they had left.
“My phones are all I salvaged,” a resident summed up the situation faced by many.
Xolile Khumalo from Joburg’s emergency services said on Wednesday morning that the fire was out, but they were still dampening down.
She also mentioned that no deaths were reported, although some injured people were taken to hospital.
The complex has about 130 apartments.
“We’ll investigate the cause once we finish firefighting,” Khumalo said.
She stated that the complex owner will provide accommodation for the affected residents.
Compiled by Staff Writer
Pictured above: The Midrand fire.
Source: X
