SOUTH AFRICA: Seven children are among the at least 73 individuals who have perished in a building fire in Johannesburg. Over fifty people have been injured in a fire at a five-story building in Johannesburg, which was abandoned but still housing homeless people.
The city claims cartels have seized control, but firefighters managed to extract some residents. The fire’s origin is still a mystery.
The fire destroyed the structure in Johannesburg, and rescue efforts are ongoing. Disaster management personnel are providing relief. The scene will be handed over to the South African police department after rescue personnel find the victims. Body recoveries are being conducted floor by floor.
Robert Mulaudzi, a emergency services spokesperson told the media that the firetrucks were seen outside a burning building in Johannesburg with ambulances, surrounded by a queue of covered bodies. A woman, apparently searching for her 24-year-old daughter, informed journalists she was outside the structure.
The woman, who heard her daughter’s building was engulfed in flames, ran to search for her. She is now in a state of panic, uncertain of her daughter’s safety. The building, located in the heart of South Africa’s economy, was once a business hub but now serves as an informal settlement, according to Mulaudzi.
South Africans refer to the area known for “hijacked” structures as homes unlawfully occupied by migrants, primarily from other African nations. Malaudzi claims that the property was abandoned, but homeless people moved in during the cold winter for shelter.
Lebogang Maile, the provincial lawmaker in charge of housing, stated that the facility was not adequately maintained due to its non-official rental status and temporary constructions, making it difficult to find and save people despite the fact that 1.2 million people in the region are seeking housing.
Johannesburg’s mayor, Kabelo Gwamanda, stated that the government is addressing the issue of cartels occupying buildings in the city.
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