Two siblings were killed in a house fire in Clayfield, Phoenix in Durban, on Sunday.
According to KZN VIP Protection Services, whose emergency services teams responded to the scene, it is believed that the fire was started when a cellphone exploded.
They said the emergency responders were met with thick smoke and intense heat, making rescue efforts extremely difficult.
"It is believed that the fire started when a cellphone exploded, setting a sofa alight. The flames quickly spread, trapping two siblings inside," KZNVIP stated.
According to emergency personnel, a male victim was found in the bathroom, while his female sibling was trapped in another room.
Desperate community members and KZN VIP responders broke windows to try and free the victims, but the fire and smoke rendered access impossible.
"We attempted to use hosepipes and wet sand to control the flames, but the fire was too intense. Ladders were also deployed in an effort to gain entry, but the risk was too great."
Firefighters conducted a search of the property and located the female victim first. Despite immediate CPR efforts by KZN VIP medics, she was pronounced dead at the scene due to severe third-degree burns.
The second victim, a male sibling, was also rescued from the burning home and received CPR. Tragically, he also succumbed to his injuries.
"The tragic loss of life underscores the importance of fire safety awareness and the potential dangers of everyday electronics," KZNVIP stated.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and subsequent fire.