A devastating event unfolded in Johannesburg’s central business district in the early hours of a Thursday morning. A fire broke out in a dilapidated multi-story building, tragically claiming the lives of at least 74 individuals, including 12 children, and leaving dozens more injured.
The building, a relic of the apartheid era and marked as a heritage site, was known for being a “hijacked” property—a term used to describe buildings that are illegally occupied and rented out by criminal gangs. This tragedy underscores the persistent issue of inadequate housing and the risks associated with unauthorized residential use of derelict structures.
One eyewitness shared the harrowing moments of the collapse, recalling,
“I saw one guy was working and then ‘boom’ and I saw the whole building collapse. I’m also traumatized. It is unfortunate,”
capturing the sudden and shocking nature of the disaster. As rescue efforts continue, the community and relatives of those still unaccounted for wait anxiously for news of their loved ones. The city’s response teams are meticulously searching through the wreckage, a task complicated by the building’s unstable structure and the sheer scale of the incident.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has addressed the nation, describing the incident as a “great tragedy felt by families whose loved ones perished in this terrible manner.” He has called for a thorough investigation to prevent such disasters in the future and highlighted the need for addressing the critical housing issues in the city.
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also expressed his deep sorrow over the calamity, offering condolences to the bereaved families and affirming the UN’s readiness to assist South Africa in coping with the aftermath and ensuring such tragedies are not repeated.
As Johannesburg grapples with this tragedy, the sentiments of community and global leaders echo a common theme “Our thoughts are with the families and all those affected who continue to wait for word of their loved ones.” The city mourns as it hopes for recovery and calls for actionable steps toward safer urban housing solutions.
Source: BBC May 7, 2024
