While no injuries were reported, residents of the Sherwood Nursing Home in Kenilworth were left traumatised when a fire burned down the old Victorian building in the early hours of this (Monday) morning.
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According to staff at the home, it is believed that the fire was caused by a power surge in a geyser when loadshedding ended.
With widespread disruptions to the local water supplies in the area, residents and emergency services had their hands full extinguishing the blaze and consoling distraught residents as the building went up in flames.
‘I helped keep the poor dears calm as it was so traumatic,’ said a Kenilworth resident on the scene. ‘Fortunately a huge house opposite took everyone in until they were taken to Newlands Sun.’
‘It’s out now but was hectic as there was no water so they had to bring in loads of fire tankers. It was like fireworks.’
Management of the home is hoping to move everyone back into the modern section of the home within two days.
The issue was compounded by disruptions to the local water supply after two broken valves, on the corner of Imam Haron and Belvedere, were reported and required unscheduled repairs after they seized late on Saturday afternoon, leaving several of Cape Town’s suburbs, including Kenilworth, Claremont and Rondebosch affected.
Reports that the water supply has in fact now been restored have been received from affected residents.
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Picture: Supplied