Key takeaways:
- At least 58 people have died and 43 have been injured in a fire in a five-story building in Johannesburg, South Africa.
- The building was taken over by homeless people and the death toll is likely to increase.
- This tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers of homelessness and the need for more affordable housing, fire safety regulations, and greater enforcement.
At least 58 people have died and 43 have been injured in a fire that broke out in a five-story building in Johannesburg, South Africa, early Thursday morning. The building had been taken over by homeless people and was effectively an informal settlement, according to Robert Mulaudzi, a spokesman for the emergency services.
Mulaudzi said that the death toll was likely to increase as a search and recovery operation was underway. Firefighters were moving through the building, floor-by-floor, and had already pulled out 58 bodies. Mulaudzi said that more may still be trapped inside.
“Over 20 years in the service, I’ve never come across something like this,” Mulaudzi said.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated. The South African government has promised to provide assistance to those affected by the tragedy.
This tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers of homelessness and the need for more affordable housing in South Africa. It is also a reminder of the importance of fire safety regulations and the need for greater enforcement. The South African government must take steps to ensure that this tragedy is not repeated.
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