Families of the victims who tragically perished in the Johannesburg inner-city building fire can now begin the solemn process of identifying their loved ones at the Gauteng Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) mortuary in Diepkloof, Soweto.
The process of identifying the deceased commenced this morning and will continue throughout the weekend, with the facility open on Saturday and Sunday from 09:00 to 15:00.
The devastating fire, which occurred in a residential five-story building in Marshalltown, Johannesburg, during the early hours of Thursday, claimed the lives of at least 74 people, including 12 children.
The victims comprise 40 males, 24 females, and 10 individuals whose identities remain undetermined due to severe burns that have left them unrecognisable.
“A family member or relative who wishes to identify their loved one should have their original Identity Document (ID), ID of the deceased or birth certificate if the deceased is a child.
“If the deceased is a foreign national, a passport, asylum seeker certificate or a letter from the country of origin confirming who the deceased is and to whom the remains should be handed over to is needed,” said the Department of Health’s Spokesperson Motalatale Modiba.
Visiting patients admitted at Gauteng Hospitals, some of whom sustained burns, multiple fractures, and suffered from smoke inhalation, MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said the Gauteng Emergency Medical Services has been on the ground contributing to emergency and rescue efforts as part of the provincial disaster management response.
“As soon as we learned of the incident, we immediately activated our emergency protocols to ensure that we responded as quickly as possible to those needing medical attention.
“We have further deployed counselling and other psycho-social support services to complement interventions from the City of Joburg and the provincial Department of Social Development,” said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.
Johannesburg City Manager Floyd Brink said the affected building belongs to the City of Johannesburg. The building was previously leased to the provincial Social Development Department and used as a shelter for abused women.
Brink said at the conclusion of the lease, some challenges were encountered by the occupants, and as a result of the hostilities and stalemate, the building was invaded and hijacked.
“At this stage, Fire Safety has commenced with investigations into the cause of the fire and has been part of the rescue operation from the morning. There are, at this stage, no preliminary reports.
“This is a tragic event and incident and one that is unprecedented given the number of lives lost. We will do our best to act diligently in investigating the fire and equally, in our pursuit to reclaim hijacked and illegally occupied buildings in the city,” said Brink.
Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, who visited the area, have offered their deep condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured survivors a speedy and complete recovery.
President Ramaphosa said his heart goes out to every person affected by this event.
“This incident calls on all of us, from the emergency services and other government entities to community-based organisations, to reach out to survivors to help restore people’s physical and psychological well-being and offer all material help residents may need,” said President Ramaphosa.
For his part, Premier Lesufi also thanked the brave men and women who have worked hard to save lives.”
“I would like to thank the President of the Republic of South Africa, Matamela Ramaphosa, for taking time to visit the scene of the fire and convey his sympathy to all those who are affected and his commitment to ensuring that the national government works with our government dealing with this unfortunate incident, said Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
“We appreciate that this accident will demand the provision of temporary shelters, food, and blankets to families and individuals left homeless by the fire. Our teams from health, human settlements, and social development are on the ground to offer the required help,” he added.
The MECs from health, human settlements, and social development went to the tragedy site, the hospital where the injured were treated, and activated the necessary medical systems and facilities. They also helped with the distribution of blankets and hot meals.
The Gauteng Provincial Government has availed a hotline number to assist family members who would like to trace their loved ones who are either hospitalised or deceased on 0800 203 886.
Additionally, a direct line is available during office hours at 011 355 3048 or 011 241 5707.
By Thembisa Shologu
