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Eight S. African children killed in house fire

Xinhua, July 15, 2016 Adjust font size:

Eight children were killed in a fire at a child care centre in eastern South Africa on Thursday, prompting President Zuma to send condolences to the families of the deceased.

The fire took place on Thursday morning, engulfing the Lakehaven Children's Home in Parlock, Durban in KwaZulu-Natal Province.

"We are very saddened by this tragic and painful loss of life and the serious injuries to other children. We convey our heartfelt condolences to all the families who are going through a most difficult period," said the president in a statement.

"May the injured recover well both physically and emotionally from this trauma. The provincial government is providing much-needed support to the affected families," Zuma said.

Eighteen people, including two child minders, were asleep inside a cottage when it caught fire, KwaZulu-Natal department of social development spokesperson Ncumisa Ndelu said.

The cause of fire remained unknown and an investigation has been launched, police said. Endit