Categories: World

Fire at multi-story building in Johannesburg leaves at least 63 dead, over 40 injured

close Video

Fox News Flash top headlines for August 30

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what’s clicking on Foxnews.com.

A fire at a five-story building in downtown Johannesburg Thursday morning left at least 63 people dead and more than 40 injured, city officials announced.

The fire in South Africa’s largest city broke out around 1:30 a.m. local time, according to the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services. When firefighters arrived at the scene, crews immediately began evacuating those inside the building and working to contain the fire.

As of 8 a.m. local time, the flames were mostly extinguished, but smoke was still trickling out of windows. 

Spokesman Robert Mulaudzi said a search and recovery operation was underway within the building and 63 bodies had been pulled out so far. The Associated Press reported at least one child was among the dead.

VIDEO SHOWS MOMENT SUSPECTED GAS EXPLOSION ROCKS MAJOR CITY DURING RUSH HOUR, KILLING 1

At least 63 people are dead and 43 are injured after a multi-story building fire in Johannesburg, South Africa. (City of Joburg EMS/Facebook)

Firefighters in Johannesburg, South Africa, work to recover bodies from a five-story building after an early morning fire ripped through in the city’s downtown area. (REUTERS / Siphiwe Sibeko)

There were also 43 people treated at the scene for injuries, Mulaudzi said. The extent of their injuries were not revealed, but he said they were all transported to hospitals in the area for further care.

Relief for families affected by the fire has been activated by City of Johannesburg Disaster Management.

DEATH TOLL FROM SOUTH AFRICAN GAS LEAK BLAMED ON ILLEGAL GOLD PROCESSING HAS RISEN TO 17

The building where the fire broke out had been overtaken by homeless people, according to Joburg EMS spokesman Robert Mulaudzi, and could have had as many as 200 people living in it. (Michele Spatari / AFP)

Mulaudzi said the building had been overtaken by homeless people looking for a place to live without formal lease agreements, which made it difficult to search, according to The AP.

“Over 20 years in the service, I’ve never come across something like this,” Mulaudzi told the outlet.

Witnesses told local news outlets there could have been as many as 200 people living in the building.

The cause of the deadly fire in Johannesburg, South Africa, remains under investigation. (REUTERS / Siphiwe Sibeko)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Share

Recent Posts

Biden called out for past desegregation remarks after praising 1954 landmark Supreme Court ruling

President Biden spoke to Black leaders Friday on the 70th anniversary of the 1954 Supreme…

1 hour ago

Speaker Johnson pushes ‘decorum’ after AOC, Marjorie Taylor Greene duel in heated House hearing

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) condemned the fiery House hearing after Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Marjorie…

9 hours ago

US says NATO military trainers will eventually be sent to Ukraine: report

close Video Xi rolls out the red carpet for Putin in Beijing as he seeks…

10 hours ago

Israeli army finds bodies of 3 hostages in Gaza killed at Oct. 7 music festival

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for May 17 Fox News Flash top headlines…

10 hours ago

UN experts say South Sudan is close to securing a $13 billion oil-backed loan from a UAE company

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for May 17 Fox News Flash top headlines…

10 hours ago

Trump speaks in battleground state he vowed to avoid after losing twice

It's been more than 50 years since a Republican won Minnesota in a presidential election,…

11 hours ago