A devastating fire erupted in a five-story building in Johannesburg, South Africa, in the early hours of Thursday, resulting in the death of dozens of people, according to local authorities. The fire, which started around 1:30 a.m. local time in the city’s downtown area, was battled by firefighters who also worked to evacuate the building’s occupants.
The Johannesburg Emergency Management Services confirmed that the death toll had reached 74 by Thursday afternoon, including 12 children. Additionally, 61 people were injured, with 17 still in the hospital. The cause of the fire remains unknown and is currently under investigation.
Johannesburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda confirmed the tragic loss of life. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also expressed his condolences and emphasized the need for a thorough investigation. He highlighted the issue of buildings being taken over by criminal elements who exploit vulnerable people in need of housing.
Throughout the day, the death toll continued to rise as firefighters searched the building floor by floor for more victims. Xolile Khumalo, spokesperson for the city’s Emergency Management Services, described the situation as “devastating.”
The victims were reportedly migrants from across Africa, living in what authorities described as an informal settlement within the previously abandoned building. Investigators estimate that over 200 families were residing in the building at the time of the fire. The property, owned by the city, was previously leased to the provincial Department of Social Development and used as a shelter for victims of domestic violence.
In 2019, authorities raided the property, arresting over 140 foreign nationals and a suspect charged with illegally collecting rent from tenants. As concerns rise over the potential homelessness of the fire’s survivors, authorities are coordinating emergency accommodation.
President Ramaphosa visited the scene later on Thursday, describing the incident as “unprecedented” and a “tragedy.” He stated that Johannesburg had never experienced an incident of this magnitude.