South Africa: Flames in a building in central Johannesburg
A fire broke out in a building where about 200 homeless people lived. We are investigating the causes. READ ALL READ LESS
A terrible fire has destroyed a building in Johannesburg, South Africa. The number is 73 dead and 52 injured. The fire broke out before dawn in a building occupied by homeless people. City emergency services spokesman Robert Mulaudzi said search and rescue operations were still ongoing. Police said around 200 people lived in the building and the death toll could be rising.
An abandoned building Mulaudzi explained that the building had been “illegally occupied” and apparently had no “legal power supply”. It cannot be ruled out that paraffin and candles were also used for heating and that this was precisely why the flames broke out.
Terrible pictures The fire was extinguished after several hours. Emergency services carry out rescue work. Videos taken shortly after the fire broke out show huge orange flames engulfing the building’s basement and dozens of people standing outside. Other photos taken mid-morning show people crowding around burned and cordoned off areas, broken glass windows and clothing strewn around the building.