Heidelberg woman escapes house fire that claims the life of her husband

Volunteers and members of the community in Heidelberg in Gauteng tried to save the couple from the flames – but Stephen Trent (54) tragically died in the inferno although his wife, Sonja (51), a hairdresser, was saved by a neighbour.

The couple were reportedly preparing for a braai when the fire started. A large section of the house in the Rensburg neighbourhood of the town was destroyed.

Sonja had been making salad in the kitchen while Stephen got the braai fire ready. Sonja, her voice still hoarse from smoke inhalation, spoke to YOU on Wednesday, and expressed her gratitude to the neighbour, Kobus Boshoff (37), who saved her life. She also told us her two Pekinese dogs survived the disaster.