A Bloemfontein family of four is picking up the pieces after a fire destroyed their home in the early hours of Monday morning (27/10). Lerato Mogorosi was woken by her sister, who was the first to hear a loud bang at around 04:00. “I just saw smoke, and I ran to the neighbours,” she said.
family members have come to help pick up the pieces. PHOTO: GYPSEENIA LION
The neighbours tried to help while waiting for assistance from the Mangaung fire and rescue department and other authorities. By the time help arrived in Rocklands, Mogorosi watched the home she had known for 25 years go up in flames. “I was numb, and I couldn’t believe it was happening. Seeing your home get consumed by fire like that – you just know there’s nothing you can do. You can’t save anything,” she added.
of the home that was not damaged. PHOTO: GYPSEENIA LION
It took three fire trucks to extinguish the blaze. Mogorosi said various departments, including the Free State department of human settlements, the department of disaster management, the South African Red Cross Society, and social workers, came to show their support. Their church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also offered assistance by providing emotional support to the affected family. “Everyone around us has been supportive,” she said.
As the family begins to clean up what remains of their home, while authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire, Mogorosi has appealed to the community for help. “We lost everything. We don’t have clothes – we literally have nothing. We just need assistance in rebuilding the house,” she said. If you would like to assist the family, contact 075 254 7100.
Gypseenia Lion
gypseenia@mahareng.co.za
