Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Safety at the City of Johannesburg, Michael Sun, has confirmed the tragic death of a firefighter during a firefighting operation in the city centre.
“It is very unfortunate that the Gauteng Provincial Health Department has caught fire.
“The reports I have received is that unfortunately one of our firefighters is believed to have slipped off the balcony on the 23rd floor and he has passed on. We are extremely devastated,” said Sun in a video tweet posted by the City of Johannesburg.
The fire broke out at the offices of the provincial Health and Human Settlements Department building on Sauer Street in the Johannesburg CBD.
Sun said while reports are still trickling in, it is believed that there are three more firefighters that are trapped in the building.
“There is a helicopter that is being used to get people to safety. Our firefighters have set up a rescue team. Our deepest condolences to the families. This is one of the most devastating things that has happened in the city,” said Sun. – SAnews.gov.za
