Those searching for their loved ones have been warned that the chances of finding them alive are ‘very slim’
The dead reached 73 from the fire that broke out early this morning in a five-storey building in the center of Johannesburg.
Among the victims – which may increase, as the firemen’s investigations inside the burned building progress – there are also at least 7 children, one of them a baby under 2 years old.
The abandoned building is located in a run-down area in Johannesburg’s former business district and has been described as an “informal settlement” where they had moved homeless looking for accommodation.
“The latest figures show that there are 73 dead and 52 injured who have been treated at various hospitals,” said Johannesburg rescue service spokesman Robert Mulauji.
According to witnesses, at least 200 people may have lived there.
Those searching for their loved ones have been warned that the chances of finding them alive are “very slim”.
Tragic images are broadcast by international agencies and users on social media.
Rescuers remove charred bodies from the burning building and place them on the street covered with sheets or blankets.
The bodies from the hijacked building fire in Johannesburg CBD are stacking up. pic.twitter.com/H9bFZMKldP
— k9_reaper (@k9_reaper) August 31, 2023
“Many people” may have been trapped inside the building when the fire broke out, Moulouji estimated.
“Inside the building was a security door that was closed. Many of the charred bodies were found behind this door.” commented Emgsini Tswaku, municipal official in charge of public safety.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown, but authorities believe it may have started from a lit candle.
Source :Skai
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