Three members of a family have perished in a fire in Atlantis.
Shanique Green, 20, her ouma Susan Green, 66, and her uncle David Green, 42, died after their home caught alight in Geranium Crescent, Protea Park, on Friday.
It is believed the fire broke out during scheduled loadshedding. Residents say the electricity was off from 2am until just before 4am.
Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for City’s Fire and Rescue Service, says a call for help was received at 3.45am.
“Two women and a man were declared dead on the scene as a result of smoke inhalation,” he said.
“A 69-year-old man was taken to a local hospital where he is in a critical condition.”
Carelse confirmed that Shanique's six-month-old baby was saved by brave firefighters.
“Fire and Rescue Service crews from Atlantis and Melkbos responded to the incident
“Upon arrival, crews were confronted with flames and endeavoured to remove the occupants from the house.
“The fire was extinguished at 5.18am and the scene was handed over to the South African Police Service.”
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk says after the fire was extinguished, three bodies were removed from the house.
“The bodies of two women, aged 66 and 20, and a male aged 42 were removed from the house. Another male, age 69, was rushed to hospital for treatment.”
He said the cause of the fire is unknown and is being investigated by Fire and Rescue.
Relative Lizel Solomons asked that people not circulate photos of her family on the scene on social media.
“This is a very difficult time for us as a family. We are still struggling to come to terms with the reality of our tragedy,” she says.
“I request that the pics and posts shared with my family while fighting for their lives and some already passed on lying on the pavement stop, and those already posted I ask for it to be removed.
“We are grateful and feel very blessed for all the care and love shown by many but also so very deeply hurt and disappointed by the insensitivity of some,” says Lizel, who revealed that her dad, Gordon, is in a stable condition in hospital.