At least 63 people died this Thursday after a fire demolished a five-story building in the center of Johannesburgthe largest city in South Africa. The rescue efforts were in full process, so it is not ruled out that the number of fatalities will continue to rise.
“Have 63 corpseswhich we have recovered, and also 43 people who were injured“confirmed Emergency Management Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi on his official Twitter account.
The fire started around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday in a building located on the corner of Delvers and Alberts streets, for reasons that are still being established.
Several fire crews arrived at the scene and managed to extinguish the flames. Then, the search and rescue tasks began.
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The fire destroyed a five-story building in Johannesburg.
Images broadcast on television show fire trucks and ambulances outside the building, visibly affected by the fire.
According to the authorities, it was a “informal settlement” where several homeless people had moved in search of accommodation without any type of formal contract. It is estimated that there were around 200 residents.
Source: Clarin