Ramaphosa says Johannesburg fire is a 'wake-up call' to ensure livable housing

Guterres regrets the death of more than 70 people in the fire and offers help to those affected

MADRID, 1 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, has affirmed this Thursday that the fire in a building in the financial district of the South African city of Johannesburg that has resulted in the lives of at least 74 people is a "wake-up call" for the Government provide habitable housing.

Ramaphosa, who has gone to the scene, has requested an investigation into the fire, in which at least twelve minors have died and some 50 people have been injured.

"Obviously, this must be investigated (...) We have to get to the bottom of what caused this fire. It is a wake-up call for us to start addressing the housing situation in the center of the city," said the leader.

The spokesman for the Emergency Management Service, Robert Mulaudzi, who has reported the balance of victims through his account on the social network X, formerly known as Twitter, has indicated that "the search and rescue operation continues."

The Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has shown this Thursday his "deep sadness" for the fire in a building in the financial district of the South African city of Johannesburg that has resulted in the lives of at least 74 people, while 52 they have been injured.

"At this time of great sadness and pain, (Guterres) conveys his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of South Africa, and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured," said the spokesman for the Secretary General. , Stéphane Dujarric, in a statement.

Dujarric has indicated that the UN team in South Africa "is willing to work with the South African authorities to provide assistance to those affected and prevent new incidents of this nature."