[Image: AVDFire / CC]
Two Durban siblings are reported to have died when a cellphone allegedly exploded at their home in Phoenix on Sunday.
This follows a report by a private security company who responded to the fire at the premises, allegedly caused after the cellphone erupted in flames while charging on a couch, with the fire rapidly spreading throughout the home.
A spokesperson for KZN VIP, Gareth Naidoo, told the media, “A devastating fire broke out in a residential home after a cellphone reportedly exploded, igniting a sofa. On arrival, emergency services encountered a structural fire. Efforts to evacuate the premises were hampered as thick smoke filled the building. It is believed two siblings, aged between 30 and 35, were trapped in different rooms.”
A woman was found in her bedroom, and the man was located in the bathroom.
In an attempt to escape the smoke and flames, KZN VIP and community members broke the windows, but efforts to extricate the victims were unsuccessful due to the intensity of the flames and accumulated smoke.
“Community members, together with response officers from KZN VIP, assisted in efforts to control the fire. A hosepipe and wet sand were used to limit the spread of the fire and ladders were deployed to attempt to enter the building. However, due to the extreme danger posed by the fire, entry was not possible without risking further loss of life.”
An investigation has now been launched into the fire.
[Source: Timeslive]
