Shortly after 1 am on Thursday, August 31, a catastrophic blaze claimed the lives of at least 73 people in a dilapidated five-story building located in Johannesburg, South Africa’s central business district.
Amongst the victims were seven children, the youngest being one-year-old. With more people believed to be trapped inside the structure, the death toll is feared to rise.
The building, known to city officials as a “hijacked building,” is a common sight in the area. Often abandoned and in poor condition, they are taken over by the homeless population seeking refuge.
The chaotic interior resembled an “informal settlement,” with tightly packed rooms and makeshift shacks.
Robert Mulaudzi, a spokesperson for Johannesburg Emergency Services Management, commented about the incident, stating, “Over 20 years in the service, I’ve never come across something like this.”
Witness accounts suggest that up to 200 people might have resided in the building when the fire broke out. At least 55 were treated for injuries and smoke inhalation; some jumped out windows to escape the blaze.
As the flames raged on, many residents, in their desperation, jumped out of windows. An anonymous witness from a nearby building recounted hearing cries of “We’re dying in here.”
While the exact cause of the fire remains undetermined, local government official Mgcini Tshwaku indicated the possibility that residents were lighting fires inside to stay warm during the winter chill.
By mid-morning, firefighters managed to access only three of the five floors, struggling against the building’s cluttered interior. The intense flames took close to three hours to contain, revealing a scene of chaos that hindered both escape and rescue operations.
In the aftermath, as dawn approached, traces of smoke still emanated from the blackened building. Sheets and other belongings dangled from broken windows, leaving it unclear whether they were used in desperate escape attempts or in efforts to save personal possessions.
Authorities continue their investigation into the incident as search operations persist in the affected building.
