Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]
TWO families in Gwanda have lost their household property and other valuables after a gas explosion sparked a fire at their home in Jacaranda Extension suburb.
The incident occurred on Monday at around 8pm. The families were sharing a house when the explosion occurred, but fortunately, no one was injured.
One of the occupants, Ms Ntandoyenkosi Moyo, who lives with her three children and two-year-old grandchild, said they failed to salvage any of their belongings.
She is now staying at a neighbour’s house, where the family has been offered temporary accommodation as they await a permanent solution.
“I stay with my three children and grandchild and there was also my cousin’s family which was using another section of the house. The other family was living under the care of a 20-year-old domestic worker who was looking after five children aged between nine and 16 years.
“I was sitting outside with the children at around 8pm while the domestic worker and some of the children were cooking using a gas stove. There was an explosion in the house and they ran out of the house. Luckily no one was hurt,” she said.
Ms Moyo said the regulator of the gas stove reportedly disconnected from the pipe while the stove was on, triggering the fire.
The families lost their furniture, clothes, documents, cash and other valuables in the fire.
Ward councillor Knowledge Ndlovu confirmed the incident, saying he was alerted by a neighbour and called the fire brigade.
Clr Ndlovu said efforts were underway to mobilise resources to assist the affected families.
Those wishing to assist financially can send contributions through EcoCash to Mr Evidence Nyathi on 0778 462 881.
Gwanda District Civil Protection Committee chairperson Ms Nomathemba Ndlovu said the committee had been activated to assess the extent of the damage and determine the assistance required.
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