An Elsies River mom has been hailed a hero after she saved the lives of her children from a fire which engulfed their Wendy house in the Gaba Village on Tuesday.
The frantic young woman and her two small daughters nearly died as she could not find the keys to the door, while gas tanks exploded around them.
The blaze, which broke out shortly after 1pm, ripped through the informal settlement, destroying 22 shacks and left 78 people homeless.
Mom Linsay Campbell, 32, says she got a skrik when she saw her roof on fire while in her Wendy with her daughters, 10-month-old Lee-Jane and three-year-old Royalty Swartz.
“I was going to take a nap and I was alone at home with Lee-Jane and Royalty when I heard people screaming there was a fire,” says Linsay.
“I looked out of the window and saw all the mense running, but when I looked up, I saw my roof was on fire.
“I cannot explain the horrible feeling that came over me. My mind was just to get my children out, but then I couldn’t find the keys and we were nearly trapped inside.”
THANKFUL: Franchesca Walker with the donations
Linsay says she stumbled and found the keys, unlocked the door which was already covered in flames, and ran out with her two children in her arms.
“The flames were everywhere, I couldn’t believe what was happening. I just wanted to get them out safely and when I turned and looked, I saw the whole place was going up in flames and I collapsed, but people came to help me,” the mom says.
Meanwhile, Candice Johannes, 20, says her one-month-old baby boy, Quewin, “knew something bad was about to happen” and started acting up shortly before the blaze.
“He was fine the whole day and I was just about to go rest with him and all of a sudden, perform hy,” she explains.
“I was worried because he just wouldn’t stop crying, so I got up to go to my boyfriend’s mother’s house.
“We just left the shack and then the fire started. There were gas tanks exploding, it was madness and I had to run to a safe place with him.”
GUTTED: Gaba Village, Elsies
Ward councillor Franchesca Walker says those affected were housed in the community hall.
“Mayor Dan Plato was also worried about the babies and he came here last night asking to see if they are OK,” she says.
Walker says the community planned to host their annual switching on of the Christmas tree lights last night, but cancelled the event to give the funds to the families.
“The cleansing department has come to clear the area and we will be rebuilding soon.
“We have been overwhelmed with donations from the community and shops like Pick 'n Pay in Parow, GrandWest and Inspire Elsies that have donated bedding.”
THANKFUL: Franchesca Walker with the donations . Picture: Leon Knipe