Staff Reporter
A FIRE that broke out on Friday, 4 October 2024, in the afternoon, gutted several houses in one of Walvis Bay’s most marginalised settlements, claiming one life.
According to Warrant Officer Tashiya Tuyenikelao, the fire incident occurred at around 18:30 at the New Illegal Settlement on Gerson Munenguni Street in the Otweya location.
“It was alleged that the fire started in the middle of the location and spread rapidly to approximately +-200 ghettos which burned down completely. The fire was extinguished by Walvis Bay Municipality fire brigade and the body of a male person was found burnt beyond recognition. His next of kin have not yet been informed, as they are not yet known at this stage,” Warrant Officer Tuyenikelao said.
She added that the deceased’s body was taken to the Walvis Bay State Hospital mortuary for storage and a postmortem to determine the cause of death.
“The cause of the fire has not yet been established. Police investigations are ongoing,” Tuyenikelao added.
Video: contributed.
