A massive fire engulfed a five-storey building in central Johannesburg, resulting in the tragic deaths of over 50 people. Dozens of others were injured and taken to local hospitals for treatment. Emergency services are still conducting search and recovery operations as the death toll is expected to rise.

On Thursday, a devastating fire broke out in a five-storey building located in central Johannesburg, South Africa. The fire quickly spread, leading to the deaths of more than 50 individuals. Dozens of others sustained injuries, many of them suffering from smoke inhalation, and were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention.

Emergency Management Services spokesman Robert Mulaudzi provided updates on the situation, stating that 52 bodies have been recovered so far, while 43 people sustained minor injuries. Search and recovery operations are still ongoing, with firefighters and emergency responders working diligently to retrieve the bodies and provide assistance to the injured.

The building, which had been evacuated due to the fire, was situated in a deprived area that was once part of Johannesburg’s business district. The building had been repurposed as an informal settlement, according to Mulaudzi. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, and authorities are investigating the incident to ascertain the origin of the blaze.

Television footage captured scenes of fire trucks and ambulances outside the building with charred windows. The area surrounding the building has been cordoned off by police as rescue and recovery efforts continue.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the community and beyond, highlighting the importance of fire safety and emergency preparedness measures to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.