More than 50 people were killed in a fire that overtook a five-story building in central Johannesburg on Thursday, according to the South African city’s emergency services.
According to spokesman Robert Mulaudzi, another 43 persons were hurt in the predawn blaze. He predicted that the death toll will rise further in what he called “an informal settlement.”
“In my 20 years of service, I’ve never seen anything like this,” Mulaudzi remarked.
Firefighters dispatched to the location extinguished the fires, and search and recovery efforts were underway.
“We are moving floor by floor conducting these body recoveries,” Mulaudzi said, adding that the death toll will likely grow.
According to Mulaudzi, at least one youngster was among the deceased.
It was unclear what started the fire, which broke out overnight.
According to Mulaudzi, the building was utilized as an informal community and was located in a poor region of what used to be the commercial center of South Africa’s economic core.
Fire engines and ambulances were seen outside the red and white structure with burned-out windows, which had been blocked off by police.
