By Hassan Isilow
JOHANNESBURG (AA) – Three firefighters were killed in South Africa's Johannesburg while on duty on Wednesday, a city official confirmed.
The fire broke out in a government building in the city center, which is home to several departments, including health and cooperative governance.
Michael Sun, an officer in charge of public safety in the city, told reporters that eight fighters were treated for smoke inhalation and exhaustion.
Several others were reported to be in the building trying to extinguish the huge blaze.
The fire had been contained but, due to windy conditions, it got worse, Nana Radebe, spokeswoman for Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS), told Anadolu Agency.
One of the deceased fighters was killed after falling off the building, while the other two were found dead at the 23rd floor of the building.
While the cause of the fire remains unknown, Gauteng’s Infrastructure and Development Minister Jacob Mamabolo said the building “did not comply with health and safety regulations.”
Mamabolo said an investigation would be launched.
