A building fire in the inner city of Johannesburg has resulted in the loss of two lives, while five others were fortunate enough to be rescued.
The blaze erupted at a two-storey residential building located at Commissioner and Nugget Streets in the central business district (CBD). The Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) received an urgent call about the fire during the early hours of Sunday morning.
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According to Xolile Khumalo, the spokesperson for Johannesburg EMS, two individuals resorted to jumping from the second floor in a desperate attempt to escape the flames. Additionally, three people were successfully rescued from the balcony.
@CityofJoburgEMS Firefighters are currently responding to a building on fire in Joburg CBD, 4 people treated on scene transported to nearest health care facilities by Gauteng EMS, cause of the fire incident is unknown @CityofJoburgZA @CoJPublicSafety pic.twitter.com/CeOioe56ag
— Cojems Spokesperson (@RobertMulaudzi) January 21, 2024
Unfortunately, two individuals were found dead as search and rescue operations continue at the site of the building fire. Four survivors have been transported to healthcare facilities for further medical attention.
The firefighting operation is ongoing at the engulfed two-storey building, which experienced rapid spread of the flames due to the use of highly combustible materials. Once the firefighting operations are completed, the EMS will initiate preliminary investigations to ascertain the cause of the fire.
