'We heard a big noise and people crying' an eyewitness said.
City of Joburg MMC for public safety Dr Mgcini Tshwaku says the devastation caused by a blaze in the Johannesburg CBD on Thursday was made worse by a locked security gate which led to dozens being squished to death.
At least 64 people, including a one-year-old and six other children, died and more than 43 others were injured when a fire broke out at a five-storey structure in the city.Tshwaku told media at the scene of the fire, a locked security gate caused further panic and disaster. “A gate was closed, so people couldn’t get out. When firefighters came in they saw people who were being smashed against a security gate,” he said.“I have never seen bodies burnt like that, beyond recognition. There were also kids involved. It is a very sad scene”.
The MMC said the building was one of many in the city that were home to informal settlements with no water or light. He called for these to be closed with immediate effect.“We heard a big noise and people crying. When we opened the windows, we saw a fire. People started moving down and others were on the floor. I hit my window down”.spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said petitions in the building made rescue efforts more difficult.
The injured were taken to health facilities across the province, while trauma counsellors were also on-site to help the distressed.“Most of them were walk-in patients. We hope they will be discharged today or tomorrow”.
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