A fire engulfed a five-story building in Johannesburg, resulting in over 70 fatalities and several injuries.
The fire started at 1:30 AM, trapping residents as makeshift structures obstructed firefighting efforts.
Around 200 individuals, including homeless families seeking shelter, were living in the building.
Firefighters faced challenges due to the maze-like interior and closed fire escapes.
Among the victims, at least seven children lost their lives, including a 1-year-old.
Investigators are unsure of the fire's cause, but it occurred during the South African winter.
Authorities may consider conducting comprehensive structural assessments of older buildings to identify potential hazards and ensure that safety standards are met, minimizing the risk of similar incidents.
With the fire occurring during South Africa's winter, seasonal safety measures should be promoted, including the proper use of heating devices and precautions against fire hazards that become more prominent during colder months.
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