Home » Joburg’s Bravest Makes Ultimate Sacrifice, Slipping from Burning Building to Rescue Others

Joburg’s Bravest Makes Ultimate Sacrifice, Slipping from Burning Building to Rescue Others

A Gauteng firefighter, trying to rescue others, has tragically died after slipping off the balcony of the 23rd floor of a burning building in Johannesburg, South Africa. City of Joburg EMS (Emergency Medical Services) tweeted: “Sadly one of our own has fell from the building and has since passed on.” Earlier incorrect reports in local […]

By SAPeople
05-09-18 17:41
in Eish!

A Gauteng firefighter, trying to rescue others, has tragically died after slipping off the balcony of the 23rd floor of a burning building in Johannesburg, South Africa.

City of Joburg EMS (Emergency Medical Services) tweeted: “Sadly one of our own has fell from the building and has since passed on.”

Earlier incorrect reports in local media said the man had jumped… but video footage shows he fell. (Please note we have deliberately not posted the upsetting footage.)

Along with Tumi Sole and many others, SAPeople will not be sharing or retweeting the heartbreaking video

Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, Jack Bloom, said: “I am distressed at the fire that has broken out at the top floor Head Office of Gauteng Health Department.”

Bloom expressed his deepest condolences to the deceased firefighter’s family and said he hopes there are no more casualties.

According to Michael Sun, Joburg MMC for Public Safety,  six firefighters were trapped inside the building. Four have since been located and brought down while two are still trapped inside.

Bloom said: “The cause of the fire needs to be investigated speedily, but we also need to know why complaints by employees have been ignored about the poor conditions at this building.

“It has been alleged that the Bank of Lisbon building contravenes safety legislation in many areas and is condemned.

“I have asked a question about the conditions of this building to the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development but they are overdue in replying.

“The safety concerns of staff in this building should have been taken seriously and addressed.”

UPDATE: Firefighters’ death toll at Joburg building rises to three.