A Rhodes University student died in a fire in a house in Grahamstown in the early hours of Thursday morning.
A Rhodes University student died in a fire in a house in Grahamstown in the early hours of Thursday morning.
When Grocott’s Mail arrived at the scene just before 9am police and fire fighters were busy scouring the scene for clues. It is believed that the fire started just after midnight.
Grahamstown police spokesperson Captain Mali Govender said an inquest docket had been opened for investigation following a fire that left the Milner Street house gutted.
“We are not sure how it started. There were several people in the house,” Govender said. “They all escaped except one.”
Govender said his name would be released once his next-of-kin had been informed.
According to another source, a police forensic unit was on its way to the scene.
Rhodes University media liaison officer Catherine Deiner confirmed the incident. “I can confirm that one of our students tragically passed away this morning,” Deiner said.
In a circular to staff, Deiner wrote today, “It is with deep regret that we inform the university community of the death of one of our students who passed away in a fire that broke out in a digs at around 12.30 this morning.
“A further four students were home at the time and fortunately sustained no physical injuries. The Oppidan Warden, Director of Student Affairs, the Vice-Chancellor and the counselling team have been attending to the students who are affected.
“This incident has been deeply traumatic and we extend our sincerest condolences to the family and friends who have lost a loved one.”
In a statement sent out later in the afternoon, Deiner said the student who died in the early hours of this morning has yet to be formally identified by the family and as such his name cannot be released.
She said the university is guided by the families of its students in these difficult times and they respect their wishes. “We ask all staff and students to refrain from releasing names that have yet to be verified by the investigating authorities,” Deiner said.
Deiner said a family member of the student is flying in from overseas, hence the delay.
She said the support from the community has been overwhelming. “The students are receiving medical attention and counselling is ongoing. The Counselling Centre has been counselling all students who are affected by this tragedy,” she said.
The University has arranged accommodation for the students and the Director of Student Affairs is assisting the students with their needs, according to Deiner.
Municipal spokesperson Yoliswa Ramokolo said the fire department received a call yesterday at about 12.45am.
Ramokolo said the Fire and Emergency Services Control Room was informed of a house fire in Milner Street.
“On arrival at the given address, the brigade crew found an eight-roomed house well alight. The brigade crew extinguished the fire and prevented it from spreading to adjacent properties,” she said.
Ramokolo said the cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
anele@grocotts.co.za
