- At least 73 people have been killed in a fire in a multi-story building in South Africa’s biggest city, authorities have said.
- The building in the central business district has been described as an “informal settlement” where homeless people had moved in looking for accommodation.
- “Over 20 years in the service, I’ve never come across something like this,” the fire officer said.
- Firefighters evacuated occupants after arriving at the scene, a search and recovery operation is underway.
- Abandoned and rundown buildings are common in the area and are often used by people desperately seeking accommodation.
- The government says this tragedy demonstrates a “chronic problem” as at least 1.2 million people need housing in the province.
Officials said 52 more were injured in the blaze in Johannesburg, which broke out in the middle of the night. Robert Mulaudzi, a spokesman for the emergency services, has warned the number of fatalities may rise further – as more people could be trapped inside.
There were “obstructions” everywhere, and this would have made it difficult to escape. Firefighters have been going from floor to floor – and as of 9 a.m. UK time had only worked their way through three of the building’s five stories. “Over 20 years in the service, I’ve never come across something like this,” Mr.Mulaudzi added.
Some of those inside when the fire began threw themselves out of windows to escape and may have fallen to their deaths. Seven of the victims were children – and the youngest was a year old.
The building in the central business district has been described as an “informal settlement” where homeless people had moved in looking for accommodation. According to witnesses, at least 200 people may have been living there. People looking for their loved ones have been warned that chances of finding them alive are “very slim”.
One woman looking for her daughter tearfully told reporters: “This is not a place where somebody can live. I was trying to get her to come back home so she could get back to the life she was living before.”
Firefighters evacuated occupants after arriving at the scene – but now, a search and recovery operation is underway. Bodies lay covered on the street. Authorities said the fire had been largely extinguished, but smoke still seeped out of the windows of the blackened building. It took three hours to contain.
Abandoned and rundown buildings are common in the area and are often used by people desperately seeking accommodation. They are referred to as “hijacked buildings” – and the government says this tragedy demonstrates a “chronic problem” as at least 1.2 million people need housing in the province.
(With inputs from agencies)
