Home News Death toll in NC lodge blaze rises

Death toll in NC lodge blaze rises

2327

36-year-old Frans Davin, who was admitted to a Cape Town hospital with serious burns, has succumbed to his injuries.

Wilmien Davin, her husband Frans and their children Frans-Jan and Iza. Picture: Supplied

THE NORTHERN Cape Police have confirmed that 36-year-old Frans Davin, who was admitted to a Cape Town hospital with serious burns, has succumbed to his injuries.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Mohale Ramatseba said that Davin’s death was confirmed on Tuesday morning. This brings the number of people who died in a blaze at the Witdraai Lodge, near the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, to a possible 10.

It has not yet been confirmed whether the remains found at the scene are that of a missing seven-year-old girl.

Davin was one of two people who were admitted to a Cape Town hospital with serious burns on Sunday morning.

The other victim died in hospital on Monday.

Eight people were confirmed dead on Monday after the guest house caught fire on Sunday. Five of the victims were young children and three were adults.

The deceased were identified as Henry Carstens, 37, Stefan Bauer, 39, Elre Bauer, 4, Frans Davin, 5, Eliza Davin, 3, Dane Carstens, 36, Magiel Carstens, 3, and Pierre Carstens, 5.

Three people escaped without injuries. They are Wilmien Davin, 37, Madeline Bauer, 36, and Ben Davin, 15 months.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Mohale Ramatseba confirmed that remains have been retrieved from among the debris but it has not been confirmed whether they are those of missing seven-year-old Inge Bauer.

Ramatseba said the forensic fire investigator and the forensic anthropologists were expected to process the scene soon.

“The investigation will assist in identifying burned remains discovered at the scene. It will also assist in unearthing the cause of the fire,” said Ramatseba.

Previous articleMost South Africans use debt to survive to payday, survey finds
Next articlePink Milkshake initiative honours toddler’s life, raises funds for charity