A devastating fire that tore through a five-storey building in central Johannesburg on Thursday claimed the lives of at least 73 people, including children, while 52 others sustained injuries. Authorities said the building, which had been illegally occupied, was located in one of the city’s most deprived and crime-ridden areas.
According to Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesman Robert Mulaudzi, the fire is one of the deadliest seen in recent years. “We have now 73 fatalities and 52 people injured who were transported to various healthcare facilities for further medical care,” he said.
Officials revealed that many of the victims were trapped behind a locked security gate, which prevented them from escaping. “Inside the building itself, there was a gate which was closed so people couldn’t get out,” said Mgcini Tshwaku, a member of the city’s mayoral committee in charge of public safety.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as residents tried to flee the flames. Survivor Kenny Bupe, 28, said he was visiting a friend when the fire broke out. “I’m grateful to be alive. There were a lot of us running, trying to find the fire exit. A lot of people eventually died because of smoke inhalation,” he said. Bupe added that he and others managed to break open a locked fire escape gate and run to safety, while some jumped from windows to survive.
Emergency workers continued to recover charred bodies from the building hours after the fire was extinguished. An AFP reporter at the scene said the remains were laid under blankets and sheets on the street outside. “It is indeed a sad day for the city of Johannesburg. Over 20 years in the service, I’ve never come across something like this,” Mulaudzi said.
Authorities suspect that the fire may have been caused by candles used for lighting inside the structure. The building, located in what was once Johannesburg’s business district, had been abandoned and later converted into illegal housing. Officials estimated that more than 80 makeshift shacks had been set up inside, built with highly flammable materials that allowed the fire to spread rapidly.
Residents said most occupants were foreigners. “The scene this morning was a mess — there were bodies on the ground everywhere,” said local resident Noma Mahlalela, 41.
Illegal occupation of abandoned buildings in Johannesburg’s inner city is a growing problem, with many such properties controlled by criminal syndicates who collect rent from occupants. South Africa, the continent’s most industrialised nation, attracts millions of migrants from other African countries, many of whom live without proper documentation.
Johannesburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda visited the site and described the incident as a “tragedy,” offering condolences to the victims’ families. He assured that all survivors were being cared for, regardless of nationality.
The blaze is the deadliest in South Africa in recent years. It follows other tragic incidents, including a December fuel tanker explosion near Johannesburg that killed 34 people, and a June fire in a dilapidated building that claimed the lives of two children.
As investigations continue, city authorities have vowed to tighten enforcement against illegal occupations and improve fire safety in high-risk areas.
