South Africa: UPDATE - At Least 70 People Dead in Johannesburg Building Fire

Cape Town — At least 70 people died and 50 others were injured when a fire broke out at a five-storey building in the Johannesburg CBD on Thursday morning, News24 reports.

The fire is being described as one of the worst fires in recent history amid fears that the number of dead will increase as rescue workers search the remaining floors of the five-storey building.

More than 300 people were displaced by the fire, and a government official was quoted as saying on Twitter that they will be housed in another building owned by the City of Johannesburg.

Johannesburg Emergency Management Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said the fire that gutted the building at the corner of Albert and Delvers streets started around 01.30.

ENCA reports that at least 50 people are being treated for injuries and smoke inhalation.

The SABC reports that City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services Firefighters have evacuated the building.

This article first appeared on All Africa

Photo: BBC News