63 killed in fire in multi-storey building in Johannesburg

At least 63 people were killed and 43 others injured after a massive fire broke out in a multi-storey building in the central business district here in South Africa's biggest city, Emergency services said on Thursday.

Authorities said it was unclear what sparked the blaze at the five-storey building in the city centre.

City of Johannesburg emergency services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said firefighters were alerted to the fire in a building on the corner of Delvers and Alberts streets at about 1:30 am.

The fire gutted the building on the corner of Albert and Delvers Streets.

A video posted by Mulaudzi on X showed fire trucks and ambulances outside the building with burnt-out windows.

A toddler was among the deceased.

Of the injured, some suffered smoke inhalation with others sustaining minor injuries.

Mulaudzi said the fire had been contained and that they were busy with "damping down" as well as search and recovery operations.

He said the death toll may increase because there was an informal settlement inside the building which may have resulted in people being trapped while trying to flee.

Those injured in the blaze were taken to hospital.

Officials from the City of Johannesburg disaster management have been activated to start facilitating relief for affected families.