Families from the Broadwalk Urban Village in Midrand have been evacuated to safer locations after a fire engulfed the residential complex on Heritage Day.
A distress call was received after 9 p.m. on Tuesday, prompting firefighters to race to the location.
In an update issued Wednesday morning, Xolile Khumalo, spokeswoman for the City of Johannesburg’s emergency management services (EMS), stated that the inferno had been extinguished and that firefighters were undertaking damping down operations.
“The residential complex is situated on Broadwalk Street in Midrand, approximately one km from the Gautrain station. “The majority of residents were safely evacuated,” stated Khumalo.
“No fatalities have been recorded thus far. Patients who incurred injuries were transported to the hospital. Khumalo stated that the number of residents has yet to be determined.
The residential complex comprises approximately 130 flats. When firemen arrived, Khumalo reported that the fire had reached the second story of the apartment complex.
“The cause of the fire will be investigated as soon as the firefighting operations are completed.” “The city is in talks with the complex’s owner about accommodation arrangements,” Khumalo stated.
“EMS continues to urge residents of Johannesburg to scrutinize accommodation facilities before taking residency and please ensure that all electrical appliances are switched off after use.”
In another update on Wednesday morning, Khumalo stated that an agreement for alternate lodging for the people had been reached.
“The owner of the complex will provide accommodation to all residents affected,” she told reporters.
