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Showing posts from August 31, 2023

A DEADLY FIRE IN AN INFORMAL SETTLEMENT IN JOHANNESBURG

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O n the morning of August 31, 2023, a devastating fire erupted within an informal settlement located in Johannesburg, resulting in a tragic loss of life. At least 73 individuals lost their lives, and many others sustained injuries as the fire rapidly consumed a five-story building, which served as home to hundreds of makeshift shacks. The blaze swiftly spread across the settlement, engulfing neighboring structures in its path. Although the exact cause remains under investigation, authorities suspect an unattended candle may have ignited the inferno. This incident stands as one of the deadliest fires in recent Johannesburg history, shedding light on the dire circumstances endured by the vast population residing in South African informal settlements. These settlements are often marked by overcrowding and substandard construction, rendering them highly susceptible to fire outbreaks. The fire began in the early hours when most residents were asleep, leading to the rapid spread of flames th...