Tragedy struck as a fire engulfed a multi-story building situated in downtown Johannesburg, South Africa.

Johannesburg’s Emergency Management Services have indicated that the number of casualties could increase.

This is as the search and recovery operations persist within the devastated structure.

Reports from local media and a spokesperson for the Emergency Management Services confirmed the incident.

Furthermore, the fire has resulted in a staggering death toll of at least 52 individuals.

Consequently, over 40 others are undergoing medical treatment for injuries sustained in the blaze.

Robert Mulaudzi provided insights into the incident.

The spokesperson for Johannesburg’s Emergency Management Services stated that the fire erupted on a Thursday morning.

The building located within the heart of the city’s central business district was engulfed in a haze of fire.

Nevertheless, authorities have said that the death toll might rise as efforts to clear the carnage intensify.

In a social media announcement, Mulaudzi shared, “As of the latest update, 52 bodies have been recovered and 43 individuals are injured. 

Our efforts to search and recover are ongoing.” The injured victims are presently receiving medical attention at “various healthcare facilities,” Mulaudzi added.

Uniquely, the exact cause behind the tragic fire remains unknown, as reported by South Africa’s online news platform News24.

Altogether, investigations into the incident are ongoing, and authorities are diligently working to ascertain the origins of the blaze that led to this devastating loss of life.