Hundreds left homeless

2003-08-16 13:46

Johannesburg - More than 200 people were left homeless after a fire destroyed 50 shacks at an informal settlement near Johannesburg on Saturday, an emergency services spokesperson said.

Malcolm Midgley said the fire broke out around 00:01 in one of the shacks at the George Goch settlement, east of Johannesburg, and was quickly spread by the wind.

Firefighters were called to the scene but before the blaze could be extinguished, 50 dwellings were destroyed.

Midgley said the only injury was to a woman who suffered minor burns to her hands and face.

Police from Jeppe police station gave shelter, blankets and food to the homeless and a disaster committee was formed to assess the situation, Midgley said.

The exact cause of the blaze was being investigated but it was believed to have been started by a candle falling over.

- SAPA