[Watch] 73 Killed in Jo’burg Building Fire; Bodies Found Stashed Near Locked Gate

Johannesburg: A massive fire engulfed a five-storeyed building in central Johannesburg here on Thursday resulting in dozens of lives being lost, reported AFP.

“We have 73 fatalities and 52 people injured who were transported to various healthcare facilities for treatment,” Emergency Management Services spokesman Robert Mulaudzi said.

In one of the deadliest fires worldwide in recent years, at least seven children were among those killed. Some of the deceased were burned beyond recognition.

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Among those injured, quite a few were suffering from smoke inhalation.

Firefighters managed to douse the flames and were “busy with damping down” while search and recovery operations were underway, Mulaudzi informed.

“We are moving floor by floor conducting these body recoveries,” he told local broadcaster ENCA.

Though the caused of the fire — which broke out overnight — is yet to be ascertained, a member of the city’s mayoral committee in charge of public safety said candles used for lighting inside the structure could be a likely cause.

According to Mgcini Tshwaku, there was a security gate inside the building which was closed.

“People couldn’t get out… Many burned bodies were found stashed at that gate,” said Tshwaku.

The building 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.

Many may have been occupying the building illegally.