Death Toll Rises in Devastating Johannesburg Blaze

At the latest count, 73 people have perished after a fire broke out in a building in central Johannesburg, Gauteng during the early hours of this morning, Thursday 31 August.

While authorities haven’t given an official cause for the blaze, Mgcini Tshwaku – a local government official – has revealed that there are signs that people attempted to keep warm by lighting fires within the building.

At least 52 people were injured during the fire, with many having back injuries caused by attempting to escape from the tall building via the windows, as evacuation routes were blocked by flammable self-made living quarters inside.

Most of the building’s occupants – which could be more than 200 people according to witnesses – are believed to have been immigrants from other African countries, and were occupying the space without permission.

Authorities may find it difficult to officially identify the victims, many of whom were burnt beyond recognition and did not have the correlating legal documentation that would have been able to assist. The youngest confirmed victim was only a year old.

“Over 20 years in the service, I’ve never come across something like this,” emergency services spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi, said sombrely.

Search and recovery operations are continuing.

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