Police have opened an inquest after a mother (43) and her two children (3 and 8) lost their lives in a fire on Saturday (22/3), which is believed to have been caused by a candle left burning during a power outage.

Survivors deeply traumatised

“We will stand with the family as they prepare for the funeral because this tragedy was truly unexpected,” said Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae. “We will also arrange social workers for the survivor (the family's son) who is deeply traumatised, as well as for the rest of the family.”

The premier said upon arriving at the scene, “the deceased’s mother, a blind elderly woman, was in such shock that she could not speak. That is why we believe psychosocial support for the whole family is essential.”

Officials will also assist the family in obtaining new identification documents from Home Affairs, as all their belongings were destroyed in the fire.

Investigations indicate that the fire may have started in a separate room where the older son usually sleeps, but he was not home at the time.

When he returned, he found the shack in flames and alerted neighbours, who tried to extinguish the fire using buckets of water, but the flames were too intense.

Neighbours tried to extinguish the fire using buckets of water, but the flames were too intense. Photo: Facebook

“The police are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances of this tragedy. When paramedics arrived, three victims were declared dead,” said Free State police spokesperson Mahlomola Kareli.

“An inquest has been opened at Bloemspruit police station, and we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cg