5 March, 2003

Press Release

Fire in building in the Inner City

Six people died when fire broke out in the early hours of this morning at the Rand Inn Hotel at the corner of Bree and Wanderers street, in the Inner City.

The building, which is home mainly to students and other tenants, caught fire at 1am this morning. About 67 casualties were reported and rushed to various hospitals including the Johannesburg Hospital and the Chris Hani Baragwanath. The reported deaths were mainly due to smoke inhalation while one was as a result of a person jumping out of the building because of panic.

The Johannesburg emergency services are investigating the cause of the fire. Preliminary investigations revealed that the damage is only done on the second floor of the building. It should be noted that this building is not one of the condemned buildings in the inner city.

Contact has been established with the manager of the hotel who will take responsibility for his tenants and Council will also assist in whatever way possible. The City of Johannesburg sends its condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their loved ones in the tragedy and also wishes those injured a speedy recovery.

Nthatisi Modingoane
Media Liaison Officer
CITY OF JOHANNESBURG
Tel: (011) 407 7354
Fax: 403 3494
Cell: 082 467 9228
E-mail: nthatisem@joburg.org.za