[WATCH] Joburg fire: Building did not comply with safety regulations
Three firefighters died while battling a blaze on the 23rd floor of the Bank of Lisbon building in the Johannesburg CBD on Wednesday.
The building houses the Gauteng Departments of Health, Human settlements and Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
One of the firefighters died after he slipped and fell from the ledge while battling the blaze while the other two were trapped in the building for hours.
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Johannesburg Emergency Services spokesperson Nana Radebe says the firefighter fell due to poor visibility from the large plumes of smoke.
Eight other firefighters were taken to hospital for treatment. Seven suffered various injuries and burns, while one was treated for exhaustion.
Gauteng MEC for Infrastructure Development Jacob Mamabolo confirmed reports that the building does not comply with the necessary health and safety regulations.