Midrand — Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) reported that one person died in the aftermath of the fire that broke out at the Broadwalk Urban Village in Midrand.
Johannesburg EMS responded to a fire that broke out at the apartment block that affected more than 130 apartments. Johannesburg EMS spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi, said firefighters were dispatched to the blaze on Tuesday evening.
As reported by News24, Xolile Khumalo, EMS spokesperson, reported that a body was now found under the rubble of a collapsed roof.
“The complex’s security has shared information that this is where the fire initially began [on Tuesday] night,” Khumalo added. She said the cause of the fire was not yet determined and the inspectors were still inside the building investigating the cause.
Khumalo added the building’s compliance would also be investigated.
“We are not privy to information of what the building was before. We just know right now that it is a residential premises, but it will be investigated,” she said.
There’s mounting concern about the whereabouts of the baby of a woman who died in the fire at an apartment complex in Midrand, north of Johannesburg. #Newzroom405‘s @Vee_Makhoali speaks to the neighbour of the deceased.
Watch: https://t.co/FCpruvAi6J pic.twitter.com/0OxFLP7u1r
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) September 25, 2024
Tebogo Seloane, who lived next to the victim, said he was first to respond when he attempted to break down the door after the smoke alarm was triggered.
“There was smoke in her room that came into my room. Security was knocking at my door, and I went outside,” Sloane said.
“We went out and we tried to break her door, but we couldn’t. Eventually, we were able to get a screw[driver] that we pushed in and then broke the door open,” he said.
At the time, Seloane added, they could not confirm if there was anyone in the unit because thick black smoke prevented them from entering.
“We didn’t go inside; the smoke and fumes were too much. The next thing, when I looked up, the ceiling was on fire. The fire took five minutes to start. I went and went door to door and got everybody out of the building.”
A resident at the apartment complex destroyed by a fire in Midrand, north of Johannesburg last night, tells Newzroom Afrika’s @Vee_Makhoali that despite having lost everything, they are grateful to have come out alive.
Watch: https://t.co/ho13LZl6lK#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/tmrTtLmFZG
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) September 25, 2024
Seloane said he knew the woman and was shocked to hear of her death. He said she was quiet and often spent time with her boyfriend.
“They always did things together and didn’t have friends in the building. She was a young lady. I feel very bad. My emotions at the moment are like a rollercoaster,” he added.
According to IOL, many residents reported that they had lost valuables and were only able to save their vehicles or items they had on them such as phones.
“I managed to go back to my room and switch off my stove. There was no time for me to take my work laptop and also my laptops, they are all in there (including) my TV and everything. The only thing I managed to save was my car. I managed to go the basement and take off in my car,” one resident said.
Another resident claimed she could only save her vehicle by driving it out during the fire and she was only left with her gown as she had no other clothes.
“The owner of the complex will provide accommodation to all residents affected,” Khumalo said.
Some residents of the apartment block that was gutted by a fire in Midrand last night are hoping to be let inside the building to salvage what they can from their apartments. Fire inspectors and other officials are still on the scene to investigate the cause of the blaze. The… pic.twitter.com/wtbVc0Q3J9
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) September 25, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
