73 Dead, 52 Injured As Fire Razes Five-Storey Building In South Africa

A devastating fire swept through a five-story building on Thursday, claiming the lives of no fewer than 73 people, including children in Johannesburg, South Africa.

It was gathered that 52 people suffered injuries, some of whom experienced smoke inhalation and were promptly transported to local hospitals for medical treatment.

The spokesperson for the South African Emergency Management Services, Robert Mulaudzi, confirmed the tragic incident in the early hours of Thursday, August 31.

Mulaudzi said, “We have now 73 fatalities and 52 people injured who were transported to various healthcare facilities for further medical care.”

At least seven children lost their lives to the fire, marking a heartrending occurrence that could potentially rank among the most deadly fires in recent global history.

The youngest casualty was less than two years old, and Mulaudzi remarked that the severity of the burns had led to some individuals being unidentifiable.

Firefighters present at the scene successfully extinguished the flames and are currently focused on dampening down residual heat.

He added: “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.”

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, as it ignited overnight.

Mgcini Tshwaku, a member of the city’s mayoral committee responsible for public safety, indicated that the likely cause might have been the use of candles for lighting within the structure.

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, suggesting many may have been squatting there illegally.

Tshwaku said: “Inside the building itself there was a (security) gate which was closed so people couldn’t get out. Many burned bodies were found stashed at that gate.”

Police have cordoned off the area around the burnt-out building, which features shattered windows, and fire trucks as well as ambulances are positioned nearby.

A small gathering of onlookers has assembled in the vicinity, standing witness to the tragic aftermath of this catastrophic event.

Meanwhile, a French firefighter, Jonathan Vero has broken the world record for running the longest distance in full-body burn without oxygen.