A deadly fire that broke out in a central Johannesburg five-story building being used for illegal housing, has killed more than 70 people, including children, on Thursday.
The South African emergency services spokeperson, Robert Mulaudzi, disclosed this on Thursday, noting that another 52 were injured in what is on track to become one of the deadliest fires worldwide in recent years.
“We have now 73 fatalities and 52 people injured who were transported to various healthcare facilities for further medical care.”
The cause of the fire is still unknown, but some of the victims were found trapped behind a closed security gate, which made it difficult for them to escape, an official said.
The city authorities said that the building, which was located in a high-crime area, was being used for illegal housing after being abandoned.
According to one resident, most of those living there were immigrants.
Speaking further, the spoke person told newsmen that Firefighters at the scene have put out the flames and are “busy with damping down”, while search and recovery operations are ongoing”.
“We are moving floor by floor conducting these body recoveries.
“It is indeed a sad day for the city of Johannesburg… over 20 years in the service, I’ve never come across something like this,” Mulaudzi said.