Man escape fire explosion

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AN Mzingazi man was left homeless after failed attempts to get the Fire Department to his burning house last week.

Bheki Sithole (24) witnessed his home covered in flames before it collapsed and burned to the ground after an explosion at the electricity distribution board.

Reportedly caught between the flames and smoke, he courageously broke planks from the wooden wall and escaped the blazing fire from the rear of the house, sustaining minor burns.

Sithole now depends on his relatives for shelter.

Speaking to the Zululand Observer on Monday, Sithole said the explosion happened at 10pm on Tuesday night.

‘I was getting ready to sleep when the house main switch exploded and caught fire.

‘I was trapped inside and surrounded by flames but luckily managed to escape from the house. I thank God to be alive today,’ said Sithole.

According to his neighbour, Thobelani Ngema, the Richards Bay Fire and Rescue team was called several times but no one came to assist.

‘We dialled the emergency number 123 and we were transferred to Richards Bay.

‘We gave them correct directions to where the incident occurred, and they promised to come as soon as possible.

‘We waited the whole night, but they did not come. We tried to extinguish the fire with water, but the flames were enormous,’ said Ngema.

Fire and Rescue manager, Andrew Vumba said according to his department’s records, no call was received regarding the fire incident.

‘All our calls are recorded, and we don’t have any information about the Mzingazi incident.

‘We carefully checked everything. Fire fighter were available that night, but we did not receive a call,’ said Vumba.

Sithole was transported to Ngwelezana Hospital for medical attention.

The Richards Bay Fire and Rescue direct contact number is 035 9075027