Tears as building fire in South Africa kills 64

No fewer than 64 persons including children on Thursday died in a five-storey building engulfed by fire in central Johannesburg South Africa.

The city’s Emergency Management Services spokesman, Robert Mulaudzi said another 43 were injured, some suffering from smoke inhalation, and have been taken for treatment at local hospitals, AFP reports Thursday.

Robert said, “The death toll is at 64…(including) seven children with some left burned beyond recognition.

“The youngest victim was less than two years old. Firefighters at the scene had put out the flames and search and recovery operations were ongoing.

“We are moving floor by floor conducting these body recoveries,” he added

It was not immediately clear what caused the blaze, which broke out overnight as a member of the city’s mayoral committee in charge of public safety, Mgcini Tshwaku, said candles used for lighting inside the structure were a likely cause. Punch