A devastating fire tore through a five-story building in Johannesburg, South Africa, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 63 lives and leaving 43 individuals injured, as reported by the city’s emergency services. The fire was initially reported around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with City of Johannesburg Disaster Management officials mobilized to provide aid to affected families.
Videos circulating on social media depict the horrifying scene of massive orange flames consuming the lower floors of the building, prompting numerous individuals to flee to safety. Emergency services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi noted that multiple casualties were being attended to, with some transported to healthcare facilities for treatment.
Meanwhile, emergency services and firefighters are working tirelessly to extinguish the blaze, as confirmed by South African state broadcaster SABC.