/ 12 January 2006

Gugulethu fire leaves more than 140 homeless

More than 140 people were left homeless on Thursday morning after a fire destroyed 30 shacks at Barcelona informal settlement in Gugulethu, South African Broadcasting Corporation radio news reported.

The report said firefighters managed to put out the blaze.

Five fire engines were on the scene.

Police spokesperson Randall Stoffels said a disaster-management team was seeking alternative accommodation for the victims.

”At about 3.30am this morning, 25 shacks were destroyed. A candle which fell in one of the homes caused the blaze,” Stoffels said.

There were no injuries. — Sapa