Three shops gutted by fire in Joburg CBD

At least three shops have been gutted by a fire in the Johannesburg CBD.

It is understood the blaze broke out just after midnight on Sunday evening. The blaze comes less than a week after two fire related incidents in Johannesburg.

No injuries

Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesperson Nana Radebe-Kgiba said there were no injuries reported.

“The City of Joburg EMS has responded to a structural fire at Polly and Durban Streets, Joburg CBD. The call was received at 00h22 and on arrival, crews found three shops well alight.

“There were no casualties or fatalities reported. Fire safety officers will conduct preliminary investigations to determine the cause of fire,” Radebe said.

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Joburg fires

Last week, a blaze also broke out in a building in the Johannesburg CBD.

Joburg EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said they attended to the incident just after 9pm on Wednesday.

“The fire is believed to have started on the 6^th floor of the building, which affected only one room with no injuries,” said Mulaudzi.

He said the cause of the blaze will be investigated.

The incidents follows the tragic death of four people in a fire at an abandoned building in Jeppestown, Johannesburg CBD last month.

The fire, which started in one of the derelict structures, left three others injured and at least 400 people stranded at the three-storey structure.

Mulaudzi said the blaze may have started from an illegal connection.

Usindiso tragedy

Meanwhile, a year after the tragic fire at Usindiso building, which claimed the lives of 77 people, the survivors are still struggling to get justice and closure.

In August last year, a deadly inferno engulfed the five-storey hijacked Usindiso building and claimed 77 lives, 12 children among them. Authorities said 62 were burnt beyond recognition.

The Usindiso Commission of Inquiry report found the City of Joburg responsible for the fire and the deaths.

A commission, chaired by retired judge Sisi Khampepe, in May criticised the City of Johannesburg for its lack of oversight and governance, which could have prevented the disaster.

ALSO READ: Joburg mayor admits hijacked buildings a ‘bigger challenge’ than first thought