Two-year-old child and man killed, three critical injured in Phoenix house fire - IOL

A two-year-old child and an adult man died after five occupants became trapped in a Foresthaven house fire early on Tuesday.

A two-year-old child and an adult man died after five occupants became trapped in a Foresthaven house fire early on Tuesday.

Three others were critically injured after becoming trapped inside the burning home.

According to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), first responders were dispatched to Foresthaven Drive, Unit 15, at approximately 00:24 after its operations centre received reports of a house fire.

Initial information from neighbouring residents indicated that approximately five family members were sleeping inside the residence when the fire broke out.

In a further update, KZN VIP said it was alerted by residents after desperate screams for help were heard coming from a home within a complex.

"With occupants trapped inside, neighbours and community members rushed to assist, attempting to force open the doors to reach those inside the burning property."

KZN VIP requested assistance from the Fire Department and dispatched emergency medical teams to the scene.

"In a desperate rescue effort, community members managed to force open a door and pull the occupants from the burning home."

Tragically, a two-year-old child and an adult male showed no signs of life. Both were declared dead at the scene by KZN VIP paramedics.

Three other occupants were found in critical condition. They were stabilised before being transported to medical facilities under advanced life support care for urgent treatment.

The Fire Department extinguished the blaze, while SAPS, Metro Police and other emergency services also attended the scene.

The circumstances surrounding the fire and its cause remain unknown.

Police did not comment at the time of publication.