Twelve Die in South African Fire
Twelve people died in a workshop that was illegally converted to living quarters in South Africa (from the Mail & Guardian Online).
A fire in the Johannesburg city centre killed 12 people and left 33 others injured in the early hours of Wednesday, Johannesburg emergency services said.
"The cause of death of all 12 appears to be traumatic asphyxia -- they suffocated because they couldn't get out," spokesperson Malcolm Midgley said.
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Residents threw their belongings into a passage in the building in an attempt to save them, making it difficult for themselves and others to get out.
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Midgley said the building had one emergency and one other exit. Both were blocked.
This from a follow-up article:
Emergency services spokesperson Malcolm Midgley said the fire appeared to have started from a two-plate stove being used as a heater.
This tragedy is yet another example of the problems that arise when people can't find affordable and safe housing. Are there buildings in your district that are overcrowded and unsafe? Are these buildings inspected on a regular basis?
