Midrand residents said the tragic fire incident that left one person dead after the Broadwalk Urban Village residential complex in Midrand, north of Johannesburg, was a danger waiting to happen.
Firefighters from the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) responded to the fire incident after receiving a call at around 9pm on Tuesday.
Police confirmed the death of a woman on Wednesday.
“Police have opened an inquest docket for investigation,” Gauteng Provincial SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said.
“The body was submerged under rubble and the roof that had collapsed during the fire incidents. The Complex Security have shared information that this is where the fire initially began (on) Tuesday night. EMS would like to pass heartfelt condolences to the family,” said EMS spokesperson Xolile Khumalo.
Most residents said they were sleeping or about to call it a day when the fire erupted.
“I was sleeping 10, around 10:30, I was sleeping, we were hearing noise but I thought people were fighting so I didn’t take it seriously. I continued hearing noise, I opened my door and checked I noticed there was a fire in a room. I just took my baby without other things and ran out fast. Everything has burned, I don’t have anything,” said one victim.
According to a source who knows the complex very well, it used to be an office block before Covid-19 which was later was turned into a residential place.
“Somebody made a comment that how the transformation occurred and legal framework from turning an office to residential was governed or not since safety is paramount. From the onset this place was hazardous because it was congested from what I know,” said the source.
Khumalo said the residential complex had 130 apartments with two floors.
“The first floor was engulfed with flames, completely destroyed by fire. Patients were taken to hospital before the EMS’s arrival. The fire was contained. Firefighters conducted damping down operations (extinguishing hot spots) around 12am.
“The majority of residents were evacuated safely. EMS firefighters also conducted a room-by-room search. One person was declared dead. Patients who sustained injuries were taken to hospital,” Khumalo said.
Khumalo said the number of residents affected had not been determined, and the owner would provide accommodation.
The cause of the fire would be investigated.
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) urged the complex management to provide alternative accommodation for displaced residents following the incident.
“We commend the brave efforts of the EMS who responded quickly to the scene. However, this incident is a stark reminder of the increasing frequency of fires in Gauteng, which has seen several similar occurrences in recent months, including those at the Auckland Park Country Club and within the Johannesburg CBD.
“The ATM calls on local authorities and relevant stakeholders to investigate the causes of these fires and implement preventive strategies to protect our communities. It is imperative that we prioritise the safety and welfare of our residents, ensuring that adequate fire safety measures are in place in all residential complexes,” said ATM national spokesperson Zama Ntshona.
“We extend our heartfelt support to the affected residents and urge the community to come together to assist those in need. The ATM remains committed to advocating for improved living conditions and safety for all South Africans.”
Commenting on behalf of Mafadi Property Rentals, Morné Reinders from Articulate Partners, said: “We can confirm that in the early evening of Tuesday, 24 September 2024, a fire occurred at Broadwalk Urban Village in Midrand. Residents were safely evacuated thanks to the building’s fire safety system and emergency teams in attendance. Sadly, however, in the apartment where the fire appears to have started, one person lost their life. We would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to their loved ones.”
The company also sent thoughts to those who were injured, which local emergency services have advised include three individuals treated on scene and one transported to the hospital.
“We extend our thanks to the first responders for their swift and professional actions. Our team are on the scene, working closely with local emergency services.
“The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the appropriate authorities, and we will give our full support to them, including providing the necessary compliance documentation. Once the outcome of this investigation becomes available, we will be able to share more information.
“We are doing everything in our power and within our ambit to support the residents during this difficult time, including helping them to find alternative accommodation,” said Reinders.
The Star