Fire in building for homeless people kills 73 in South Africa
At least 73 people have been killed in a fire that tore through a five-story apartment building that was used by homeless people in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Emergency Management Services said that a further 52 people have been injured in the blaze.
According to an emergency services spokesperson, seven of the victims were children, the youngest being only one year old.
Expressing his sympathy, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa sent condolences to the families of the people who were killed in the fire incident.
"This is a great tragedy, felt by families whose loved ones perished in this terrible manner and our hearts go out to every person who is affected by this disaster," Ramaphosa said.
While addressing an event in the southern city of Gqeberha, Ramaphosa said he hoped investigations would lead to punishment for anyone deemed criminally responsible and would help prevent similar disasters.
“Search and recovery operation was underway and it was likely the death toll would rise,” Robert Mulaudzi, the city’s emergency services spokesman said.
At least one person jumped to their death. The cause of the fire was not immediately clear.
Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda told reporters the municipality had leased the building to a charity for displaced women but that it had "ended up serving a different purpose," without elaborating further.
Johannesburg is one of the world's most unequal cities with widespread poverty, joblessness and a housing crisis. According to the provincial government figures, the city has almost 15,000 homeless people.
Fires are a common occurrence in Johannesburg, particularly in poor areas. It was the fourth building to catch fire in the city in recent months.
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