Valentine’s Day ends in disaster for Honeydew family
It was approximately 6.30pm when this fierce inferno was reported.
Valentine’s Day ended in a disaster for complex dwellers in Honeydew who lost everything in a freak fire that swept through the entire unit – almost killing pets and a member of the family.
Neighbours at Honeydew Crest complex had to give up dining with their loved ones on 14 February to try to prevent the fierce blaze from spreading while they waited for emergency services to help extinguish the fire.
It was approximately 6.30pm when the fierce inferno was reported. One of the residents was at home when the fire broke out. According to the husband, who asked to remain anonymous, his wife suffered internal burn wounds which landed her in ICU. He told Northsider that he and his son were away when he received a call notifying him about the disastrous fire.
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“A resident saw the smoke coming out of the house and rushed to kick open the door,” said property manager from Gamios Property Management Sandra Breedt, who did a site inspection along with the insurance broker and building contractor to assess the damage a day later.
The damage is estimated between R350 000 to R400 000, with a three to four week estimated period for full repairs to the building, said Jahnes Swanepoel from WRC Construction, the company contracted by Michael Brett and Associates insurance brokers, who are in charge of insuring the building.
Breedt said the cause of the fire is still being investigated. However, she thanked the neighbours, GP Tactical and other security companies who attended the scene for their quick response. She also appealed to locals to try and assist the destitute family with clothes and food for the two dogs that survived the fire.
Breedt went on to advise body corporates about insurance policies and said tenants or property owners should consider short-term insurance in case of unforeseen incidents. “I would like to advise body corporates and especially the board of trustees to make sure that their insurance policies are intact and that they insure their units within the complex at the correct amount so if anything happens like this, it can be rebuilt at a decent price per square metre.
I would also like to emphasise that people living in a complex must make sure that they take out short-term insurance on their household contents because the body corporate insurance does not cover content, it only covers the building,” she explained.
She also urged people not to attempt any electrical additions to their property unless they use a qualified electrician.
Should anyone want to donate any items to help the victims to set up house again, please contact the property management company on 011 796 0684.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at northsider@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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