A devastating fire swept through a residential block of flats in the heart of Johannesburg, claiming the lives of at least 52 people and leaving over 40 others injured, according to official statements from South African authorities.
The fire, which broke out in a five-storey building in the city centre, has shocked the community and prompted an urgent response from emergency services. As of now, the cause of the fire remains undetermined, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the tragic incident.
Johannesburg authorities are grappling with the investigation into what sparked the blaze that tore through the building, causing widespread destruction.
Robert Mulaudzi, a spokesperson for the city’s emergency services, reported that firefighters valiantly battled the flames, managing to rescue some of the building’s occupants. However, the fire’s intensity has gutted the structure, making the search for potential survivors a painstaking and ongoing effort.
A poignant video shared on the X platform, previously known as Twitter, by Mr. Mulaudzi, depicted a scene of chaos and despair outside the building. The haunting images showcased fire trucks and ambulances stationed amidst the devastation, with windows charred and shattered by the intense heat of the flames.
The tragic toll of the fire has risen to 52 confirmed fatalities, underscoring the magnitude of the disaster that has struck the South African city.
Emergency Management Services spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi, communicated the somber news to a local broadcaster, stating, “We’re on 52 bodies, which we have recovered and also 43 people who sustained minor injuries.”
The gravity of the situation has left the community in shock and mourning as they grapple with the enormity of the loss.
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