Welivego

The largest city in South Africa, Johannesburg, had a fire that left at least 73 people dead and more than 50 injured, according to the municipal authorities.

As remains lay covered on a street close to the scene of the terrible fire, firefighters and emergency vehicles were present, according to photos from Reuters.

According to the South African news station Newzroom Afrika, the fire spread to a five-story structure that had once been abandoned but had been occupied by humans.

What started the nocturnal fire was unclear at first.

According to Emergency Management Services spokesman Robert Mulaudzi, among the injured, some had smoke inhalation and were brought to nearby hospitals for treatment.

According to the most recent information, there have been 73 fatalities and 52 injured persons who have been taken to various hospitals for additional medical attention, according to Emergency Management Services spokesman Robert Mulaudzi.

When firefighters arrived on the scene, they extinguished the flames and started the search and recovery process.

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

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.