Current:Home > NewsDozens killed in South Africa as fire guts building many homeless people had moved into-LoTradeCoin
Dozens killed in South Africa as fire guts building many homeless people had moved into
View Date:2024-12-23 20:14:53
Johannesburg — At least 74 people died when a fire ripped through a five-story building in Johannesburg that had been overtaken by homeless people, officials said Thursday. At least 12 of those killed were children, the youngest a 1-year-old, according to city and medical officials, who held a press conference to give an update on the death toll. They said an undetermined number of people were still missing and many bodies recovered were burned beyond recognition.
More than 50 people were injured, six of whom were in a serious condition in the hospital. Emergency services officials had earlier warned that the death toll could rise as they continued to search the scene more than 12 hours after the blaze broke out at around 1 a.m.
NOTE: This article includes graphic images below which some readers may find disturbing.
Johannesburg spokesman Robert Mulaudzi said earlier that, "over 20 years in the service, I've never come across something like this."
A search and recovery operation was underway and firefighters were moving floor-to-floor through the building, Mulaudzi said. Emergency services workers were bringing charred bodies out of the building and putting blankets and sheets over them on the street outside.
At least seven children were among the dead, the AFP news agency reported, the youngest under 2 years old.
Authorities said the fire had been largely extinguished, but smoke still seeped out of windows of the blackened building downtown. Strings of sheets and other materials also hung out of some windows. It wasn't clear if people had used those to try and escape the fire or if they were trying to save their possessions.
The origin of the blaze wasn't immediately clear, though Mgcini Tshwaku, a member of the city's mayoral committee in charge of public safety, told AFP candles used for lighting inside the structure were a likely cause.
"Inside the building itself there was a (security) gate which was closed so people couldn't get out," he said. "Many burned bodies were found stashed at that gate."
Mulaudzi said homeless people had moved into the building without formal lease agreements. He said that made it hard to search the structure.
There might have been as many as 200 people living in the building, witnesses said.
AFP said it's common for people to live illegally in unused buildings in the city center — with many said to be run by criminal syndicates who charge occupants rent.
Speaking Thursday at an event in the southern city of Gqeberha, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called the fire "a great tragedy, felt by families whose loved ones perished in this terrible manner."
"Our hearts go out to every person who is affected by this disaster," he said.
- In:
- Africa
- Homelessness
- South Africa
- Fire
veryGood! (45742)
Related
- Elena Rose has made hits for JLo, Becky G and more. Now she's stepping into the spotlight.
- Kentucky tourism continues record-setting pace in 2023 with nearly $14 billion in economic impact
- Dakota Fanning Shares Reason She and Sister Elle Fanning Aren't Competitive About Movie Roles
- Trump's New York felony conviction can't keep him from becoming president
- Can't afford a home? Why becoming a landlord might be the best way to 'house hack.'
- Sen. Joe Manchin leaves Democratic Party, registers as an independent
- Jennie Garth Shares How Body Image Struggles Have Led to Unhealthy Habits
- Judge allows duct tape to be retested in Scott Peterson case, denies other requests: reports
- Inspector general finds no fault in Park Police shooting of Virginia man in 2017
- Biden is hosting the Kansas City Chiefs -- minus Taylor Swift -- to mark the team’s Super Bowl title
Ranking
- Certifying this year’s presidential results begins quietly, in contrast to the 2020 election
- 'Eric': Is the Netflix crime drama based on a true story? And will there be a Season 2?
- U.S. hurdler Lashinda Demus will get Olympic gold medal 12 years after she lost to Russian who was doping
- In search of new shows this summer? Here's the best TV to add to your list
- When is 'The Golden Bachelorette' finale? Date, time, where to watch Joan Vassos' big decision
- The Best Linen Staples for an Easy, Breezy, Beautiful Summer
- Jimmy Hayes’ Widow Kristen Remarries, Expecting Baby With Husband Evan Crosby
- Red Light Therapy Tools to Combat Acne, Wrinkles, and Hair Loss
Recommendation
-
RHOBH's Kyle Richards Shares Reaction to BFF Teddi Mellencamp's Divorce
-
Sixth Outer Banks house collapse since 2020: Photos capture damage as erosion threatens beachfront property
-
6 million vehicles still contain recalled Takata air bags: How to see if your car is affected
-
Jimmy Kimmel reacts to Trump guilty verdict: 'Donald Trump's diaper is full'
-
Alexandra Daddario Shares Candid Photo of Her Postpartum Body 6 Days After Giving Birth
-
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Late Night
-
Officer who arrested Scottie Scheffler: 'Yes, the department has us buying freaking $80 pants'
-
The Best Pool Floats That Are Insta-Worthy, Will Fit Your Besties & Keep You Cool All Summer Long