Call to aid victims of Silvertown house fire
A Silvertown family of four are seeking the community’s help after a fire caused extensive damage to their home.
Firefighters responded to the blaze at the Overton Road home at 10.25pm on Tuesday June 18, said City Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Jermaine Carelse.
Most of the damage was concentrated to one room with clothing cupboards, he said.
“The ceiling was affected, and the fire caused partial damage to the roof. The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage,” he said.
A neighbour, Jeanine Solomons, said the family had been woken by flames in a bedroom where a hair-dryer had been plugged in.
Ms Solomons said the fire had caused extensive damage to the house, leaving the family, who had been renting the property, with no food, clothes, or beds, and they were now staying in a granny flat on the property.
“It was quite bad. They are not allowed to enter the house as it is still a danger, according to the fire department. They have lost everything and are in desperate need of food. At the moment, the family is still very traumatised,” she said.
Ward councillor Rashid Adams said he had not yet been able to speak to the owner of the house, but he had asked the family to make a list of what they needed.
The family declined to comment when contacted by the Athlone News.
Donations can be dropped off at 11 Overton Road, Silvertown. Call Jeanine Solomons at 081 546 8013 to help.
