JOHANNESBURG: A devastating fire erupted in the heart of South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg, resulting in a tragic loss of life. The municipal government has confirmed that a distressing toll of 63 individuals lost their lives, while 43 others sustained injuries.

As rescue operations continued, the city administration shared updates on the situation via the platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

“The City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services has sadly recorded an increase in the number of fatalities to 63,” their statement conveyed.

First responders, including firefighters and emergency vehicles, were deployed to the scene. Tragic scenes unfolded as lifeless bodies were seen covered with emergency blankets along a street adjacent to the location of the early morning inferno, as captured in Reuters photographs.

According to media reports, the fire engulfed a five-story structure that had been abandoned in the past but had been serving as a residence for some individuals. The cause of the fire remains unclear at this time.

Source: with agencies