Gauteng Infrastructure MEC Jacob Mamabolo has confirmed that three people have lost their lives in a fire that engulfed the 23rd floor of the building occupied by the Gauteng Departments of Health and Human Settlements.
“There are currently three members of the City of Johannesburg fire department who have lost their lives. We would like to convey our sincere condolences to the deceased and to their families,” said Mamabolo in a tweet posted on the department's Twitter account.
The fire broke out at the offices of the provincial departments on Sauer Street in the Johannesburg CBD on Wednesday.
Mamabolo informed officials who work in the building that it will be closed until further notice.
“The officials that were all working in this building will be allowed to stay at home until we find a suitable alternative where the officials can report for duty,” said the MEC.
Addressing media outside the burning building, Mamabolo said the cause of the fire is unknown, however, the provincial government, together with the City of Johannesburg will wait for a report on the cause of the tragedy.
A firefighting team has been set up to contain the fire. – SAnews.gov.za
