Lakehaven fire: Family still coming to terms with child's death

Lakehaven fire: Family still coming to terms with child's death

The family of a nine-year-old boy who was one of the victims of a fire at a Durban children's home last week says his two sisters have not stopped talking about the tragedy.


8 killed in Durban orphanage fire
Khatija Nxedlana

Eight children, among them Ajesh Gangapersad, died when a fire gutted one of the boys' cottages at the Lakehaven Child and Youth Care Centre in the early hours of Thursday morning.


His uncle, Vijen Gungbadhur of Phoenix says the boy and his 11 and 17-year-old sisters were placed at the centre four months ago due to problems at home.


Speaking during a visit by social development officials to affected families, Gungabadhur said his brother who is the children's father was called to the centre but wasn't aware of what had happened until later.

East Coast Radio is today collecting various items, including food, clothing and stationery for the Lakehaven Children's Home. 


If you'd like to contribute, you can drop off your donations at East Coast Radio House in Umhlanga until 6pm today. 

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