Ekurhuleni — A heart-wrenching tragedy has struck the Marikana informal settlement, where six people lost their lives in a horrific shack fire that tore through part of the densely populated area overnight.
Emergency services rushed to the scene in the early hours but could do little to save the victims, who were burned beyond recognition. The cause of the blaze remains unknown, and an investigation is currently underway.
Among the devastation, a glimmer of survival emerged: a 7-year-old girl was rescued with severe burn injuries and is now receiving urgent medical care in hospital. Her condition is described as serious but stable.
Residents of the settlement have been left reeling, mourning the sudden loss of life and the vulnerability of those living in overcrowded, fire-prone conditions. The tragedy underscores the recurring dangers faced by communities in informal housing, where fire hazards are exacerbated by tightly packed structures, limited access to emergency services, and lack of basic infrastructure.
Authorities have not yet released the names of the deceased, and DNA testing may be required to formally identify the victims due to the extent of the burns.
“It’s a devastating scene,” said an emergency responder. “We see fires in informal settlements far too often—but this one is particularly painful.”
Community leaders are now calling for urgent interventions, including fire prevention education, improved infrastructure, and quicker emergency response systems for vulnerable settlements.
As investigations continue, South Africa once again confronts the human cost of its housing crisis—a reminder that behind each shack is a life, a family, and a story.
