In a devastating nighttime incident, a fire tore through a dilapidated five-story building in Johannesburg, resulting in the loss of at least 64 lives. The structure, known to harbor homeless individuals, became a scene of chaos as people desperately attempted to flee the blaze, some resorting to leaping from windows. Local authorities suspect that this frantic escape could have contributed to the casualties.

Among the victims were seven children, with the youngest being a mere 1-year-old, as reported by a spokesperson from emergency services. The fire broke out around 1 a.m. in the heart of Johannesburg’s bustling central business district, causing 43 individuals to sustain injuries, according to Johannesburg Emergency Services Management spokesman Robert Mulaudzi.

Such occurrences are sadly common in the area, as abandoned and deteriorating buildings are often commandeered by those in dire need of shelter, colloquially referred to as “hijacked buildings” by city authorities.

Mulaudzi expressed concern that the death toll might escalate further, with additional bodies potentially trapped within the building. The flames took three arduous hours to bring under control, and by mid-morning, firefighters had only managed to navigate through three of the structure’s five floors.

Mulaudzi shared his astonishment, stating, “Over 20 years in the service, I’ve never come across something like this.” The building’s interior resembled an “informal settlement,” crammed with shacks and hastily erected structures that impeded escape routes and hampered the emergency response teams’ efforts.

Rescue teams painstakingly discovered 64 bodies, as the chances of finding survivors hours after the inferno ignited remained bleak. Witnesses recounted that as many as 200 individuals may have inhabited the building before the tragedy struck.

An eyewitness recounted harrowing screams and desperate cries for help as the fire erupted. Mgcini Tshwaku, a local government official, revealed that the grim incident might have been exacerbated by the inhabitants resorting to lighting fires within the building to stave off the biting winter cold. Officials are currently probing the exact cause of the devastating blaze.

Once the flames were quelled, the aftermath was evident as smoke billowed from the scorched windows with the arrival of daylight. Remnants of sheets and personal belongings hung from broken windows, raising questions about whether these were used in escape attempts or to salvage possessions amid the chaos.