At least 63 people died in a major fire in a building in the center of the South African metropolis of Johannesburg. At least 43 other people were injured, said Robert Mulaudzi, spokesman for the local rescue service, on Platform X. The rescue and recovery operation will therefore continue. Numerous covered bodies could be seen on the street near the building.
The fire broke out in a five-story building overnight. Dozens of residents have been evacuated, Mulaudzi said. The cause of the fire is still unclear. According to media reports, it should actually be a vacant building. Nevertheless, people would have lived there illegally.