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At Least 2 Buildings Burn in Joburg’s CBD, South Africa

At least two buildings caught fire in Johannesburg’s CBD today, Thursday 16 August 2018. The cause of fire is not yet known. Johannesburg Emergency Medical Service (EMS) reported about three hours ago from the scene of the first building’s fire, at the corner of Rissik and De Villiers. They said it was a structural fire […]

By SAPeople
16-08-18 18:24
in Eish!

At least two buildings caught fire in Johannesburg’s CBD today, Thursday 16 August 2018. The cause of fire is not yet known.

Johannesburg Emergency Medical Service (EMS) reported about three hours ago from the scene of the first building’s fire, at the corner of Rissik and De Villiers.

They said it was a structural fire and that it had been contained. At least four fire engines and many police vehicles had been called to the blaze.

Some occupants, who had reportedly been trapped on top of the building, were rescued and taken out safely. According to IOL, the building is occupied mainly by homeless people, with some small shops on the ground floor.

Less than an hour ago Joburg EMS confirmed that it had responded to a second building on fire – this time in Hillbrow on the corner of Bruce and Claim Street.

“The fire is contained and three people have been rushed to hospital with minor injuries,” said Joburg EMS.

In other parts of Johannesburg, ER24 emergency services reported that its paramedics had been called to a factory fire on Planet Avenue in Langlaagte. Seven people sustained minor burn injuries and mild smoke inhalation. They were treated at the scene before being transported to a nearby private hospital for further treatment. The fire was extinguished.

“The details surrounding this incident are not yet known but local authorities were on the scene for further investigations,” said ER24.

Just last week it was revealed that there are only 14 functioning fire engines servicing Joburg Municipality.