A CHILD and four adults died in a fire Tuesday in an East Rand furniture factory and another man committed suicide when he heard about the incident, police said. Police spokesman Captain Andy Pieke said two men and two women died of smoke inhalation when they were trapped inside the burning factory in Springs. An eight-year-old boy, the son of the factory’s owner, was found dead with them, Pieke said. The owner’s brother rushed to the scene and shot himself in the head when he saw what had happened. He died in hospital later. A second family member grabbed the man’s revolver and attempted to shoot himself as well, before police prised away the weapon. Pieke said workers were screaming for help inside the burning building when the fire brigade arrived. Apart from the victims, police believe there were two other workers inside the razed factory, which made doors. Police were unsure of the whereabouts of the two men, but believe they managed to escape. The police are investigating a case of arson.