Building fire in South Africa kills over 70 people

70 people, including children, died in a fire in a five-storey building in central Johannesburg, South Africa, according to reports.

Another 52 were injured, some suffering from smoke inhalation, and were taken for treatment at local hospitals, Emergency Management Services spokesman, Robert Mulaudzi, said.

“We have now 73 fatalities and 52 people injured who were transported to various healthcare facilities for further medical care,” Mulaudzi said.

At least seven children were among those killed by the flames, in what is on track to become one of the deadliest fires worldwide in recent years.

Firefighters at the scene have put out the flames and are busy with damping down, while search and recovery operations are ongoing.