New mom dies in Midrand fire

The woman whose remains were discovered beneath the rubble of a collapsed roof at Broadwalk Urban Village Complex in Midrand was a new mom.

The baby boy’s whereabouts are still unknown, and one neighbour has said they are doing their best to locate him.

The fatal blaze broke out on Heritage Day at the deceased woman’s apartment.

According to her neighbours, the new mom was living with her partner and five-month-old son.

Video and images of the tragic event have since gone viral on digital platforms.

The fire consumed the entire complex, leaving 100 families homeless and distraught.

In total, 130 apartment units were gutted and reduced to ashes.

@UrbanVillage Midrand. My boy was in here am grateful for his safety. Live is precious pic.twitter.com/xl76dDvshF

— The Rabbi ZW (@therabbi_zw) September 24, 2024

Residents say the building did not have proper fire extinguishing equipment.

The whole complex on fire midrand,Urban village on Broadwalk street via old Pretoria rd(Gautrain)🏃🏾‍♂️🏃🏾‍♂️🏃🏾‍♂️🏃🏾‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/CKRBqAhg7w

— BLACK RHINO LWENDO (@BlackLwendo) September 25, 2024

Many families have been left with just the clothes they were wearing and R5 000 in cash, respectively, offered by the property managers.

Broadwalk village 🙆🏾‍♂️🙆🏾‍♂️🙆🏾‍♂️😭😭this is so sad and heartbreaking 💔 🙆🏾‍♂️😩

Midrand/Andile Mpisane/Nomzmo/Busta Rhymes/lewatle/#SkeemSaam pic.twitter.com/T2MBbSWDfk

— Thefundraiser (@Vanillasausy) September 25, 2024

The residents of the complex have now been accommodated in hotels across Midrand, with the assistance of the property owner – while the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Search and rescue operations have now been completed at the complex and resident have been given a brief opportunity to search through the rubble. Written by Odirile Rabolao