It is reported that a lodge on the guest farm burned down and at least nine lives were lost in the fire. This after three families from Ceres in the Western Cape visited the lodge this weekend. 

The police spokesperson, Mohale Ramatseba, says a search and rescue team has started searching for her this morning.  He further adds that the fire experts are processing the scene to determine the cause of the fire. The latest victim, who has reportedly succumbed to his injuries in hospital, is the 37-year-old father, Hendri Carstens. 

The names of the nine victims have been released. The Bauer family's father Stefan (39), daughters Inge (7) and Elné (4) have lost their lives. Their mother Madelein (36) survived. Inge's body is still missing.

One of the other families from Ceres, the Carstens, lost both parents Dané (36) and Hendri Carstens (37), who later passed away in hospital, as well as their two boys, Pierre-Johan (5) and Magiel (3).

The third family lost two children, their son Frans-Jan (5) and daughter Iza (3). Their mom, Wilmien Davin (37) survived with their baby boy Ben (15 months), while their father Frans Davin (36) who is currently being treated at the Christiaan Barnard Hospital in Cape Town.

A total of three people survived the fire unharmed.

OFM News