Girl, 5, killed in house fire outside Durban

A five-year-old girl died in a house fire in Montclair on Wednesday night. Picture: First Plan Protection Services

A five-year-old girl died in a house fire in Montclair on Wednesday night. Picture: First Plan Protection Services

Published Oct 6, 2022

Share

Durban — A reaction officer tried in vain to save a young girl from a house fire in a suburb outside Durban on Wednesday night.

The Montclair Crime Eye said that at approximately 11.25pm, they received a voice message from one of their members asking for help as a house on Benson Road was on fire.

It said that First Plan Protection Services who also monitor the Montclair Crime Eye groups responded and contacted all emergency services.

“Jordan, the reaction officer rushed to the scene to find the house in flames, the occupants of the house on the pavement. He was told that a child was still in the house, he managed to bend the front door gate to gain entry but sadly the roof was already collapsing,” Montclair Crime Eye said.

“The fire brigade worked tirelessly battling to put the fire out but they couldn’t get to the little 5-year-old girl who sadly passed away.”

A five-year-old girl died in a house fire in Montclair on Wednesday night. Picture: First Plan Protection Services

The Montclair Crime Eye conveyed its deepest condolences to the family who lost their little girl.

It also thanked First Plan Protection Services, Jordan the reaction officer and Kiroshen the operator on duty, “thank you both for responding to that plea for help and going beyond the call of duty, we appreciate you guys”.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Nqobile Gwala said it is alleged on October 5, 2022, at 11.25pm, “a family in Montclair was sleeping at their home when their house caught fire. A 5-year-old child was burnt to death”.

Gwala said the cause of the fire is unknown.

“An inquest docket was opened at Montclair police station for investigation.”

Commenting on the incident on Facebook, Annelise Nel said: “RIP precious little girl. May your family find… peace. It’s extremely sad. I’m proud of my son Jordan for trying to save her.”

Chantel Jones said: “Sincere condolences to the family! Big shout-out to the fire department and Jordan for trying to rescue her.”

A five-year-old girl died in a house fire in Montclair on Wednesday night. Picture: First Plan Protection Services

Daily News