Fatal Joburg CBD Blaze: Two Dead, Others Leap from Burning Building

"Two people were found dead as search and rescue operations continue at the building fire. City of Joburg EMS received a call about a residential building fire at Commissioner and Nugget streets in the CBD," said Radebe-Kgiba.

The intensity of the fire forced two individuals to jump from the second floor, while three others were rescued from the building's balcony.

The rapid spread of the fire, fueled by combustible materials, affected different levels of the building.

Preliminary investigations into the cause of the fire will be conducted by EMS once firefighting operations are completed, Radebe-Kgiba stated.

Additionally, four individuals sustained injuries during the incident and were promptly transported to medical facilities for treatment.

In a separate and alarming incident, South African National Parks (SANParks) reported an unsettling surge in fire incidents throughout January, raising suspicions of deliberate ignition in the three major fires that engulfed Cape Town.

From January 1 to January 18, a total of 22 fires were reported. Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) expressed concern over the emerging pattern of these fires, particularly in the southern section of TMNP, including Kalk Bay, Ocean View, and Redhill areas, as well as in the northern regions, Signal Hill, and Pipe Track areas.

The park authorities are collaborating with relevant agencies to investigate these incidents, emphasizing the need to address potential malicious intent behind the alarming increase in fire occurrences.

Source: IOL