Settlement Devastated as Fire Claims Dozens of Lives

In South Africa’s largest city, more than 70 people lost their lives in a devastating fire that engulfed a five-story building early Thursday. According to the BBC, the building, which was previously abandoned, had been occupied by squatters who turned it into an “informal settlement” with various makeshift structures inside. The presence of debris and structures within the building made it extremely difficult for individuals to escape the blaze, further impeding search and rescue operations. Firefighters believe the death toll of 73 may increase as they continue their efforts. Over 50 others sustained injuries, including those who resorted to jumping from the burning structure in a desperate bid to save themselves.

Among the deceased are seven children, including a 1-year-old, as confirmed by Johannesburg Emergency Services Management spokesman Robert Mulaudzi, as per the AP. It took the authorities over three hours to bring the fire under control. Mulaudzi, who has been in service for more than two decades, expressed his astonishment at the scale of the tragedy, stating that he had never encountered anything like it before.

Johannesburg suffers from a lack of affordable housing, leading to the proliferation of derelict buildings like the one in question, which was informally occupied by squatters, many of whom were undocumented immigrants. Although the cause of the fire remains unclear, it should be noted that South Africa is currently experiencing winter, prompting people living in informal settlements to resort to lighting fires for warmth, as reported by the New York Times. (Read more South Africa stories.)