Heartbreaking Christmas for Kuilsriver family after mom, toddler and hero uncle die in fire
A Kuilsriver family is in for a bleak Christmas after a devastating fire claimed the lives of a young mom, her two-year-old toddler and a relative who tried to save them.
Instead of preparing a feast - friends, relatives and neighbours of the Van Rooi family spent their Christmas eve clearing the rubble of what remained of a fire that broke out on Thursday evening in Zinnia Street, Sarepta, in Kuilsriver.
Two-year-old Jessie van Rooi was declared dead at the scene while her mother, Natalie, 25 and uncle Ronaldo van Rooi, 20, were taken to Tygerberg Hospital, where they both died just hours apart on Friday morning.
Natalie and Ronaldo’s aunt, Janine Olivier, told Weekend Argus neighbours were woken by cries for help.
“We don’t live here, but we arrived (on Friday) morning to be with our sister whose children were involved,” she said.
“From what we hear, the fire broke out in the bungalow at the back, and Ronaldo came out of the main house when he heard cries for help from his sister.
“He ran into the fire to try and help the both of them, and that is how he got injured.
“Him and Natalie were taken to hospital, but we were called this morning and informed that Natalie had passed away and Ronaldo is still in critical condition.”
Tygerberg Hospital spokesperson Laticia Pienaar confirmed that Natalie died on Friday morning.
Pienaar later confirmed to Weekend Argus that Ronaldo also passed away just hours after his older sister.
The City’s Fire and Rescue Services’ Jermaine Carelse said they were alerted to the fire at around 11:30pm.
“Crews from Kuils River, Belhar and Bellville fire stations were quickly on scene and found two structures fully engulfed in flames,” he said.
“A man and woman, who suffered serious burn wounds, were treated and transported to a nearby hospital.
“Sadly, the body of the girl who had suffered fatal burn wounds was discovered inside the structure. The fire was extinguished just before 12:30am, and the scene was handed over to the South African Police Service.”
Olivier said the family was devastated by the tragic incident.
“We are all just heartbroken. Natalie was a very happy, loving, creative and the most outspoken person you can ever meet. That is why she had so many friends,” she added.
“She has two older children who were not here (on Thursday) night because they spent the time with the father’s family doing Christmas shopping. Now with this, there is to be no joy for Christmas.”
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said an inquest docket had been registered for investigation following the fire.