On Monday evening, 12 August, Huis ten Bosch ladies’ residence went up in flames. While the cause has not yet been confirmed, rumours from residents at the scene suggest a faulty gas line.
Fire from outside Huis ten Bosch. IMAGE: Zoe Human.
Sari du Plessis, Head Mentor of Huis ten Bosch, confirmed that the fire started in exactly the same hall where another fire broke out in 1983.
Before the fire brigade arrived at the scene, Huis ten Bosch and surrounding residences had been evacuated.
The fire was reported to be under control as of 20h00, with students from some surrounding residences receiving clearance to re-enter.
Paulu Joubert, outgoing Chair of the Prim Committee, confirmed on Whatsapp that all 164 Huis ten Bosch residents have been evacuated and are currently being organised into three groups. Those going home, those with alternative accommodation in the surrounding area and those in need of a place to stay.
Lydia Ladies Residence, which sits alongside Huis ten Bosch, also remains evacuated.
The displaced Huis ten Bosch students are to receive shelter in nearby residences until further notice.
Prof Wim de Villiers is with the Huis ten Bosch residents, who were evacuated to Wilgenhof Mens Residence.
More information will be made available as the story progresses.
Update:
21:25pm:
Craig, a medic from ER 24, responded to the fire. He confirms that two female students have been transported to hospital for smoke inhalation. One of them to Stellenbosch Mediclinic and one to Stellenbosch Provincial Hospital. He says “There was a further patient who didn’t want to go to hospital after assessment and then we also know from Stellenbosch Mediclinic that there was one patient that arrived there privately, so didn’t get transported by an ambulance. So that is a total of four patients. None of them serious. All of them just looks like smoke inhalation so they will be assessed at hospital”.
Eight rooms have reportedly been affected by the fire and Stellenbosch University students have taken to social media, calling for the donation of food, clothing and toiletries for affected students.
21:30pm
Emma Wiehman, former Primaria of Huis ten Bosch and current Pieke House Committee member says that of the remaining 40 ladies that still require a place to stay 20 will be housed in Monica Ladies Residence and the other 20 at Irene Ladies Residence. “At this moment we are busy at the SSG organising a more permanent solution,” says Wiehman.
Wiehman goes on to say that “the fire has already been extinguished”. As of the moment, the fire brigade are still attempting to remove excess water.
Two trauma counsellors have also been sent to Wilgenhof for those requiring such support.
21:35pm
Huis ten Bosch residents were told to make their way to Wilgenhof Mens Residence at 21h30, from there they will then be escorted by five policemen back into residence.
22:12pm
There are rumoured reports of a further student being treated for burn wounds on the hands.
22:14pm
Stellenbosch University spokesperson, Martin Viljoen, has confirmed the reports of student being treated for burns.
22:22pm
Arrangements are being made for academic support for all the residents.
ER24 will be on site throughout the night in the Monica recreational hall.
Security has been arranged at Huis ten Bosch Bosch for the night.
Accommodation has been confirmed for all students.
22:30pm
Lydia Ladies Residence has been allowed to move back into residence.
13 August, 16:40pm
Huis ten Bosch fire aftermath. Lydia Ladies Residence can be located not 10m to the right of Huis ten Bosch’s damaged roof. PHOTOS: Zoe Human.