Key points:
- 52 Others Injured in Blaze That Engulfed Multi-Storey Building
- Firefighters Continue Search and Recovery Operation
- Building Was Home to Homeless People
The death toll from a fire in a multi-storey building in Johannesburg, South Africa, has risen to 73, while 52 others have been injured, according to Johannesburg Emergency Management Services spokesman Robert Mulaudzi.
The fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday morning in a five-storey building in the city center. Mulaudzi said that the building was home to homeless people and that many of the victims were sleeping when the fire started.
The fire has been extinguished, but firefighters are still conducting a search and recovery operation. Mulaudzi said that it is likely that the death toll will rise further.
The cause of the fire is not yet known. However, Mulaudzi said that it is possible that the fire was started by a candle or other open flame.
The fire is a major tragedy for Johannesburg and for South Africa as a whole. The government has promised to provide assistance to the victims and their families.
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