The emergency services in South Africa announced today, Thursday, August 31, 2023, that at least 58 people have died when a fire broke out in a multi-story building in Johannesburg.

Emergency services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi stated that 43 others were injured in the fire that broke out during the early hours of the morning, adding that the death toll may rise, clarifying that the search and rescue operation is ongoing and firefighters are moving through the building.

He also added that the team has retrieved 58 bodies so far, noting that more people may be trapped inside, mentioning that at least one child was among the dead.

Authorities in South Africa also said that the fire has largely been extinguished, but smoke is still seeping from the windows of the building, which has turned black in the city center.