Johannesburg – More than 50 people have died in a fire that engulfed a five-storey building in central Johannesburg on Thursday, the South African city’s emergency services said.
Dozens of others were injured, some suffering from smoke inhalation, and were taken for treatment at local hospitals, Emergency Management Services spokesman Robert Mulaudzi said.
“We’re on 52 bodies, which we have recovered and also 43 people who sustained minor injuries,” Mulaudzi told local broadcaster ENCA.
JUST IN: At least 20 people die in a 5-storey building fire in the Johannesburg CBD at Corner of Delvers, Alberts Streets. Johannesburg Emergency Services confirmed. The authorities are on scene investigating the cause of the blaze. pic.twitter.com/2YiTPu2hK6
— Scrolla Africa (@ScrollaAfrica) August 31, 2023
Firefighters who were called to the scene put out the flames and search and recovery operations were ongoing.
“We are moving floor by floor conducting these body recoveries,” Mulaudzi said, adding the death toll was expected to rise.
It was not immediately clear what caused the blaze, which broke out overnight.
The building, which has been evacuated, is located in a deprived area of what used to be the business district of South Africa’s economic hub, and was used as an informal settlement, Mulaudzi said.
Television footage showed fire trucks and ambulances outside the red and white building with burned-out windows, which had been cordoned off by police.
At least 20 people have died in a fire that occurred in a five story building at the Corner of Alberts and Delvers street in the Johannesburg CBD.. over 40 people have been injured.
This is a developing story @TimesLIVE pic.twitter.com/MxMtWBlFmE
— Thabo Tshabalala (@Thabo_Tshaba) August 31, 2023
[20 BURNT BODIES FOUND] At least 20 burnt bodies were found so far and 43 others were injured after a fire broke out in Usindiso Building, Johannesburg CBD around 01:30 midnight. All role-players are on scene and the @CityofJoburgZA Disaster Management team was also activated. pic.twitter.com/bXMO3w2vom
— Nhlanhla Sizani (@Nhlanhla_Sizani) August 31, 2023
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Source: AFP
Picture: Twitter/@CandleySeroba
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
