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The death toll from a fire that engulfed a five-story apartment block in central Johannesburg on Thursday has risen to 75, local media outlet SABC reported.
At least 50 people are being treated for burn wounds and smoke inhalation at various hospitals. Emergency services personnel remain on the ground to assist those that are affected, SABC said.
The fire occurred at around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, according to Robert Mulaudzi, spokesperson for the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services.
The affected building had been turned into an informal settlement, with authorities estimating more than 80 "shacks" inside. Thursday's fire spread very quickly, affecting different levels of the building because of the combustible materials like boards used to partition the rooms, Mulaudzi said.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday called the fire "a great tragedy" and said he hoped an investigation would help prevent a repeat of the incident.
No Chinese citizens were injured or killed in the fire, the Chinese Consulate-General in Johannesburg told China Media Group after verifying with the police.
(With input from Xinhua)
(Cover: A ladder of a fire engine from the fire department of the City of Johannesburg is seen at the scene of a fire in Johannesburg, August 31, 2023. /CFP)
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Copyright © 2023 CGTN. 京ICP备16065310号
Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466