Midrand fire survivors seek compensation as investigations continue

One week after the devastating blaze at Broadwalk Urban Village in Midrand, survivors are demanding compensation for their losses. 

The fire claimed one life, left hundreds homeless, and has raised concerns about shoddy infrastructure and poor building codes.

Tebogo Seloane, hailed as a hero for evacuating his neighbours, emphasised that residents want answers.

“It’s a miracle more lives weren’t lost, but we need accountability,” he said.

Tenants are meeting with lawyers to hold the building’s owners responsible, accusing them of ignoring authorities and desperate residents. 

Many are seeking refunds for their deposits, citing the owners’ alleged negligence.

The complex, home to mostly young professionals seeking affordable city accommodation, now lies in ruins. 

Former tenants returned on Monday to gather their belongings, uncertain about their future.

The fire, that took place on Heritage Day, has rendered hundreds of people homeless, forcing many to return to their hometowns.

Investigations into the fire’s cause continue, with authorities scrambling to conclude their probe. 

#YNews: Residents of the deadly #MidrandComplex fire are still searching for answers following the utter devastation.

The blaze gutted more than 130 residential units and left one person dead. pic.twitter.com/1DvFcAeni6

— Y (@Yfm) September 30, 2024

The death of Onalena Tsae remains a focal point.

A source told YNews that her partners’ fingerprints were recently removed from the building’s access system following a reported dispute between the pair. 

Tsae’s family rejected claims of gender-based violence, but didn’t rule out the possibility entirely. 

As residents seek compensation for their suffering, questions linger about the complex’s safety standards and management’s accountability.

Residents are demanding that the building’s management and owners take responsibility for the tragedy and provide adequate compensation for their losses. 

They are also calling for improved safety standards and infrastructure to prevent similar incidents in the future.