Mahlangu visits old age home gutted by fire

Pretoria - Gauteng Health and Social Development MEC Qedani Mahlangu is on her way to the Pieter Wessels old age home to assess the damage caused by a fire which broke out last night.

Eighteen elderly people residing in the old age home in Nigel, Ekurhuleni were killed while others sustained serious burn wounds. One person, who sustained 80 percent burn wounds, was airlifted to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital.

Rescued survivors were evacuated to a local church and received treatment while others were admitted to the hospital.

Forensic investigators are currently on the scene to investigate the cause of the fire.

During her visit to the home, Mahlangu will also look at ways the department can assist.