Seven children among at least 73 killed in Joburg CBD fire

At least 73 people, including a one-year-old child, have died in a fire in the Johannesburg CBD.

Over 52 other people have also been injured, with the number likely to increase.

A resident told Newzroom Afrika at least one child may still be missing and another is fighting for their life.

Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said seven children died in the fire.

It is understood the blaze started in the early hours of Thursday morning at a five-storey structure in the city.

WATCH: Joburg CBD fire

Fire

“The firefighters attended to the fire at a five-storey building in Johannesburg CBD on the corner of Alberts and Delver streets. Thirty bodies have been confirmed dead on scene,” Mulaudzi said.

“There are also people who were treated for smoke inhalation and various injuries and were transported to various healthcare facilities in the City of Johannesburg for further medical care.”

Mulaudzi said the cause of the fire is subject to investigations.

ALSO READ: Earthquake hits several areas in West Rand and Joburg

Earthquake

Meanwhile, Mulaudzi said there were no reports of any damages or injuries after an earthquake hit several areas on the West Rand, including Johannesburg, on Wednesday night.

“At this stage, no major incidents throughout the City of Johannesburg have been reported at our emergency call centre.

“However, we will remain on high overnight to make sure that we can be able to respond to any area which might have been affected by the tremor,” Mulaudzi said.

The Council for Geoscience (CGS) has confirmed that the  2.7 magnitude earthquake occurred at around 9:44pm.

“The seismic event was located by means of the CGS’s automatic locator system through the South African National Seismograph Network, registering a preliminary local magnitude of approximately 2.7.

“The event is estimated to be located within the broader Randfontein region in the West Rand. The CGS Seismologists are currently analysing the data and once this is concluded, subsequent communication will follow detailing the exact location and magnitude of the seismic event,” the CGS said.

ALSO READ: Two women appear in court for deaths of Laudium five kids