Reportedly intoxicated gardener burnt to death at residence in Everest Heights

Members of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) and First Responders from several private companies who were dispatched to a home on fire in Everest Heights – Verulam discovered the body of a 55-year-old male burnt beyond recognition.

The incident was reported to the RUSA Operations Center at 23:01 (Saturday) and Reaction Officers & Paramedics arrived at the scene on Lenina Drive at 23:04.

A room attached to the main building was found engulfed in flames & First Responders made several attempts to dose the flames with garden hoses. The Ethekwini Fire Department responded swiftly and extinguished the blaze. A body was discovered inside the building.

According to the homeowner, her gardener who was in her employ for approx 15 years was last seen at 19:00. He was heavily intoxicated & retired to his room for the night.

The cause of the fire was not immediately established.