Watch| Mass Evacuation After Fire Breaks Out In Another Joburg CBD Building

In the early hours of Friday morning, a fire broke out in a building in the Joburg CBD, resulting in the evacuation of numerous people.

Videos captured at the scene show individuals hurriedly leaving the building, carrying bags filled with personal belongings, while emergency teams stand by to provide assistance. The roof of the building is seen billowing with smoke in a second video, creating an alarming sight for onlookers.

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Although the details are yet to be confirmed, it is believed that families had been living in the abandoned building. Xolile Khumalo, the Johannesburg EMS spokesperson, spoke to Newzroom Afrika and revealed that the building in question is a three-storey structure located in Marshalltown.

She explained, ‘It appears to be one of the hijacked buildings, and there were shacks built inside. The fire originated on the ground floor of the three-storey building. Fortunately, everyone has been safely evacuated, and there have been no injuries or casualties.’

Khumalo further disclosed that a significant number of people were residing in the hijacked building, emphasizing the importance of the successful evacuation efforts.

She confirmed that the fire has been extinguished, and firefighters have thoroughly inspected the premises. Thankfully, due to the timing of the incident, most of the occupants were either at work or school, resulting in no reported injuries.

This incident comes mere weeks after a tragic blaze took the lives of over 70 people in another building just two blocks away. A fire had erupted in a five-storey building late last month, causing widespread devastation and loss of life.

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In response to these recurring incidents, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has established a commission of inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Marshalltown fire.

Commission of Inquiry

Premier Lesufi announced that the commission of inquiry will be conducted in two phases. The first phase will focus on gathering all relevant information and evidence related to the fire, including interviewing witnesses, examining the building’s structure, and reviewing any existing safety measures.

The second phase will involve analyzing the collected data and proposing recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The establishment of this commission demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens. Premier Lesufi expressed his condolences to the families affected by the recent fires and emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.

Conclusion

The fire that engulfed the building in the Joburg CBD has once again highlighted the dangers of abandoned and hijacked structures. The evacuation efforts by emergency teams were commendable, resulting in no injuries or casualties. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the issue of hijacked buildings and the risks associated with them.

The commission of inquiry established by Premier Lesufi aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the Marshalltown fire and provide recommendations for improved safety measures. It is a crucial step towards preventing future tragedies and ensuring the well-being of all residents in the area.