At least 73 people are killed and 52 injured in a building fire in Johannesburg.
In the heart of Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city, a five-story building became a shelter for around 200 homeless people.
Tragedy struck early one morning when a devastating fire broke out, turning this dwelling into a scene of heart-wrenching loss and chaos. City officials shared the somber news that at least 73 lives were lost and over 50 individuals were injured as a result of the fire.
The harrowing incident unfolded at approximately 1:30 a.m. local time, as flames engulfed the building. The City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services quickly responded, dispatching firefighters to the location. Their immediate focus was to evacuate those trapped within the building and to bring the blaze under control.
By 8 a.m., the flames had been mostly subdued, although lingering smoke continued to drift from windows. Robert Mulaudzi, a spokesperson, informed the public that a search and recovery operation was already underway within the structure. The grim task had yielded the retrieval of 73 bodies at that point, a tragic toll that included seven children, among them a 1-year-old infant.
Over 50 individuals were also attended to for various injuries sustained during the incident. Although the full extent of their injuries was not disclosed, most were transported to nearby hospitals for further medical care. In response to the disaster, the City of Johannesburg Disaster Management has taken steps to provide relief and support to the affected families.
It was revealed that the building had been occupied by homeless individuals seeking shelter without formal lease agreements. This situation complicated the search efforts, as the lack of records made it challenging to determine the exact number of occupants at the time of the fire. Robert Mulaudzi expressed his sorrow over the incident, noting that in his over 20 years of service, he had never encountered such a tragic event.
City officials indicated that approximately 141 families were impacted by this catastrophe, with many believed to be foreign nationals. Witnesses suggested that as many as 200 people could have been living in the building, highlighting the extent of the tragedy. Although the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, local government official Mgcini Tshwaku shared that there were indications that squatters and homeless individuals within the building would light fires to stay warm during the winter months.
The incident is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those living in informal settlements and precarious living situations. The loss of life and the pain experienced by families and the community at large have left a profound mark on Johannesburg, a city grappling with the aftermath of this heartbreaking tragedy.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
