The children of a family in Tumahole have been left orphaned after a devastating fire engulfed their home, claiming the lives of both parents.

Free State police spokesperson Mahlomola Kareli reported the police were summoned to a burning house in Tumahole Zone 6 on Sunday (30/6) at around 06:00. Upon arrival, police discovered that six children, aged between 3 and 13, had been rescued by neighbours, along with two adults aged 40 and 34.

Emergency Medical Services personnel were immediately called to the scene. The mother (34) was rushed to a local hospital, but she died while in hospital. The father (40) was also taken to the hospital where he too succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday (2/7).

‘The house was on sale’

The police have opened cases of arson, murder, and attempted murder as investigations into the cause of the fire continue. The cause of the fire remains unclear.

In a related incident a week ago, another family in Bloemfontein lost their home to a fire. No one was injured in this incident. The homeowner informed OFM News that the house was on sale, and he had scheduled a viewing with potential new owners on the day of the fire. However, on arrival, they found the street filled with fire trucks and the house ablaze. The prospective buyer was devastated upon seeing the fire, even shedding tears as he had taken a liking to the house.

It is understood that students passing by the Bloemfontein home saw smoke coming from the roof and attempted to alert the owners by pressing the bell and shouting to draw their attention.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg