52 die in building fire in S.Africa

More than 50 people were killed in a fire that engulfed a five-storey building in central Johannesburg of South Africa on Thursday, according to the South African city's emergency services.

Besides, dozens of others were injured, some of them suffered from smoke inhalation and they were taken to local hospitals, Emergency Management Services spokesman Robert Mulaudzi said.

“We're on 52 bodies, which we have recovered and also 43 people who sustained minor injuries," Mulaudzi told local broadcaster ENCA, BSS reports quoting AFP.

Firefighters who were called to the scene put out the flames and search and recovery operations were ongoing.

"We are moving floor by floor conducting these body recoveries," Mulaudzi said, adding the death toll was expected to rise.

It was not immediately clear what caused the blaze, which broke out overnight.

The building, which has been evacuated, is located in a deprived area of what used to be the business district of South Africa's economic hub, and was used as an informal settlement, Mulaudzi said.

Television footage showed fire trucks and ambulances outside the red and white building with burned-out windows, which had been cordoned off by police.