31-8-2023 (JOHANNESBURG) A devastating fire in a multi-storey building in South Africa’s largest city has claimed the lives of at least 58 people, according to authorities. The blaze erupted in the central business district of Johannesburg in the middle of the night, leaving dozens more injured.
Emergency services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi has expressed concerns that the death toll could rise even further as there is a possibility of more people being trapped inside the building. “There is a huge possibility that the body count could be over 60 because we are going from floor to floor,” Mulaudzi informed News24.
Tragically, at least one child is among the deceased, and officials have grimly warned that the chances of finding survivors are very slim. The building, described as an “informal settlement,” had been occupied by homeless individuals seeking accommodation. Witnesses estimate that around 200 people may have been residing there.
Firefighters swiftly arrived at the scene and managed to evacuate some occupants. However, a search and recovery operation is currently underway to locate any remaining individuals. The street outside the building is now marked by covered bodies, a somber reminder of the tragedy.
Authorities have reported that the fire has been largely extinguished, although smoke continues to emanate from the charred structure. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, and it remains unclear whether people attempted to use makeshift ropes or sheets to escape from the upper floors.
This devastating incident has sent shockwaves through Johannesburg, and the nation mourns the loss of lives in this horrific fire. The focus now shifts to supporting the affected families and investigating the circumstances surrounding the blaze.
