Building fire in S Africa kills 64
A fire that engulfed a five-storey building killed more than 60 people including children in central Johannesburg on Thursday, the South African city's emergency services said. Another 43 were injured, some suffering from smoke inhalation, and were taken for treatment at local hospitals, Emergency Management Services spokesman Robert Mulaudzi said. "The death toll is at 64...[including] seven children," Emergency Management Services spokesman Robert Mulaudzi said, with some left burned beyond recognition. The youngest victim was aged less than two years old, he said. Firefighters at the scene had put out the flames and search and recovery operations were ongoing. "We are moving floor by floor conducting these body recoveries," Mulaudzi told local broadcaster ENCA. "It is indeed a sad day for the city of Johannesburg... over 20 years in the service, I've never come across something like this," Mulaudzi said. It was not immediately clear what caused the blaze, which broke out overnight. Mgcini Tshwaku, a member of the city's mayoral committee in charge of public safety, said candles used for lighting inside the structure were a likely cause. (AFP)