Two-year-old girl and uncle who died in Phoenix house fire have been identified

The two-year-old and her uncle were inside the home in Foresthaven when they died.

A two-year-old girl and a 40-year-old uncle died after their Foresthaven, Phoenix home, caught fire while they were asleep, according to emergency responders.

They have been identified by the family's spiritual leader, Moulana Mohamed Tariq as Nurah Shabally and Mohamed Abdaal Hoosen.

Two other family members are reportedly still fighting for their life in hospital.

Moulana Tariq said the family were struggling to deal with the loss of their loved ones.

“It is truly devastating news. The cause of the fire has not been established. It is unfortunate that the two people lost their lives, especially the two-year-old whose life has been cut short," he added.

KZN police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda said they were investigating two inquest cases.

“The cause of the fire has not yet been established.

"It is reported that there were four occupants in the house and they were rushed to hospital with burn wounds. The two victims succumbed to their wounds upon arrival. The circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation," said Netshiunda.

Gareth Naidoo, head of KZN VIP Emergency Services, said at the time that residents were alerted to screams for help coming from the home.

He said neighbours and community members rushed to assist, and attempted to force the doors open to reach the family, who were trapped inside the burning property.

He said community members eventually managed to gain entry into the house and rescue the occupants, but Shabally and Hoosen had already succumbed to their injuries.

Shabally and Hoosen were buried at the Riverside Soofies Qabrastan on Tuesday.