Five people, including children, have died following a devastating house fire in Ballito on the north coast of Durban.

According to SABC News, the fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday morning at a residential property. Emergency services responded to the scene, but all five occupants were declared dead.

SABC News reported that the victims included children, although their exact ages and identities had not yet been released at the time of publication. Authorities confirmed that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the blaze.

Emergency personnel worked through the early morning to extinguish the fire and secure the property. Police have since opened an inquest docket as part of standard procedure in cases involving multiple fatalities.

The incident has left the local community in shock, as fatal residential fires remain a serious concern across parts of KwaZulu-Natal. Authorities have urged residents to ensure that electrical wiring, heating devices and open flames are properly managed to reduce the risk of similar tragedies.

Further details are expected once forensic investigations are completed and officials provide an update on the circumstances surrounding the fire.