Johannesburg Fire: About 12 Children And 62 Adults Feared Dead in Johannesburg

About 12 Children And 62 Adults Feared Dead in Johannesburg: In South Africa Johannesburg, a fire has ripped through a five-story building killing about 74 people and injuring many more.

According to authorities, they searched the building floor by floor for survivors while also removing burned dead and placing them out on the streets.

On Thursday during a news conference, local officials disclosed that at least 12 children were among those who were feared dead by fire.

The Johanessburg rescue personnel has currently put out the fire.

According to Robert Mulaudzi, a representative for the city’s emergency services, more than 50 additional persons were hurt in addition to the fatalities.

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Wiseman Mpepa, a fire survivor, told the media that when he awoke, he heard screams. He shattered his window when he realized that the fire was preventing the building’s departure, but he found it difficult to get through.

Mpepa claimed that he attempted to direct other occupants of the building to a gate for an exit, but the gate was locked. He told the media from the ground that “they closed the gate.” “I didn’t have a strategy after that. All I did was sit in my room.

Videos captured only moments after the fire started show a building’s lower story being consumed by enormous orange flames while a large crowd is outside.

Onlookers gathered around burned-out and cordoned-off portions, broken glass windows, and clothing scattered throughout the structure as seen in photos taken on Thursday morning.

Authorities at the scene could not find any evidence of intentionality, while the source of the fire is still unknown. Around 1:30 a.m. local time, the fire started, while most occupants were sound asleep. Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of South Africa, referred to it as a “tragedy.”

In reference to the hundreds of settlers he said were there, Mulaudzi claimed that it happened in a “hijacked” structure in the heart of Johannesburg.

Buildings that have been “hijacked” are those that have been abandoned by landlords, taken over by gangs or other groups, and then leased out mostly to immigrants and South Africans who lack the financial means to pay for other types of housing. These buildings can be observed in various areas of downtown Johannesburg.

Brother, sister, and brother-in-law were among the family members who were lodging in the building with Mpepa. Mpepa claimed he was unaware of their location. He said, “I don’t have any plans because I lost everything.”

Mpepa claimed that he blacked out from the smoke and was unable to recall how he managed to safely escape the fire. “The smoke was approaching me, and I immediately collapsed. I have no idea where it goes from there.

Kenny Bupe, another eyewitness, asserted that the fire escape was blocked and that many people died as a result of the smoke.

“Firstly I lost my sister. Three sisters I’ve already lost,” he told Reuters, adding that he left all his things inside the burning building whilst trying to save his life.