In a show of solidarity and compassion, President Bola Tinubu has conveyed his deepest condolences to the government and citizens of South Africa following a devastating fire incident that took place at a multi-storey building in Johannesburg’s bustling central business district.
The tragic incident, which unfolded earlier today, resulted in widespread destruction and loss of lives and property, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
President Tinubu expressed his profound sadness over the incident, recognizing the pain and anguish faced by those affected.
“In this moment of tragedy, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families impacted by this devastating fire incident. The extent of this loss is truly profound, and during this challenging time, please be assured that Nigeria stands in unity with you,” he said.
President Tinubu’s heartfelt message of condolence was conveyed in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), Ajuri Ngelale.
He extends his heartfelt sympathies to the victims of the tragic fire incident that recently engulfed a multi-storey building in Johannesburg’s central business district. In a statement released earlier today, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of unity and resilience during these trying times.
Reiterating the deep bond shared between the two African nations, President Tinubu conveyed his hope that the combined strength of the South African people, relevant government agencies, and the unwavering spirit of the African continent as a whole will play a significant role in the healing and rehabilitation process for all those affected by the devastating fire.
He underscored the importance of rallying together to provide support and assistance to those affected, while also expressing his confidence in the resilience of the South African people to rebuild and recover from the tragedy and prayed for speedy recovery for the wounded.
President Tinubu’s words of solidarity and encouragement come at a critical juncture, as the South African government and local authorities work tirelessly to ascertain the cause of the fire and provide aid to the victims.
The international community has also shown its solidarity with South Africa, offering condolences and support to the affected families and the entire nation.
A fire swept through a five-story building in central Johannesburg that had been repurposed as informal housing, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 74 lives and leaving numerous others injured.
Rescuers painstakingly went through each floor of the building to locate survivors and recover the bodies of those who perished in the blaze.
Among the victims, a heartbreaking detail emerged: at least 12 children lost their lives. The fire has been successfully extinguished, as confirmed by rescue authorities.
Apart from the fatalities, over 50 individuals sustained injuries, as reported by Robert Mulaudzi, a representative from the city’s emergency services.
Videos recorded shortly after the fire’s ignition show intense orange flames engulfing the lower portion of a structure, as a large number of people gather outside.
Recent images from Thursday morning depict onlookers converging around charred and barricaded sections, windows with shattered glass, and scattered clothing in the vicinity of the building.
While the cause of the fire remains unclear, authorities on-site have not indicated any deliberate intent. The fire erupted around 1:30 a.m. local time, catching numerous building occupants asleep. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa characterized the incident as a “tragedy.”
In recent times, South Africa has witnessed other destructive fires in makeshift communities throughout the nation, but the incident on Thursday stands out as the most severe in recent history.
Floyd Brink, the City Manager of Johannesburg, stated that around 200 groups of individuals were impacted by the fire that occurred in the five-story structure.
The building, previously owned by the City of Johannesburg and once utilized as a courthouse during the apartheid era, had been leased to provide refuge for abused women. However, after the lease ended, it was “taken over,” with unauthorized water and electricity connections established, according to Brink.