Police in Mayfair, Johannesburg, have launched an investigation into a deadly fire that killed four toddlers at a residential property being used as a daycare.
Police confirm investigation is underway to determine cause of fire
The fire occurred late Monday morning, 19 May, and initial reports suggest a heating device may have triggered the blaze.
Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi confirmed that the fire broke out around 11:00. Firefighters responded swiftly, but four children — all believed to be two years old or younger — were already dead by the time paramedics arrived.
The children are believed to have died from smoke inhalation.
“Our City of Johannesburg Emergency Management firefighters are responding to a house on fire incident in Mayfair, which was reported at around 11a.m this morning,” Mulaudzi said.
“Unfortunately, four bodies were recovered, all minors, confirmed dead on the scene.”
Mayfair daycare fire: Here’s everything we know so far
According to EMS, the house had been divided into rooms for different tenants, and one of the rooms was being used as a creche or daycare space. It is not yet known whether the childcare facility was legally registered.
Eyewitness reports have raised concerns about how the children were being cared for. One tenant, Angie Sibanda, speaking to EWN, alleged that the childminder regularly left the toddlers alone.
“She would often lock the kids in the unit alone while running errands,” Sibanda said.
The childminder and two other children survived the fire.
Police have not made any arrests, but they have confirmed that detectives and fire investigators are now examining the circumstances of the fire, including the possibility of criminal negligence.
As Johannesburg faces two cold fronts this week, city officials are urging residents to be extra cautious with heaters and other warming devices, which can easily ignite fires when not used safely.
