Unconfirmed reports claim the building in Doornfontein was illegally occupied.
A fire ripped through a building in Joburg CBD on Saturday. Picture: Supplied/ Joburg EMS
Five people have died in a building fire in the Johannesburg CBD on Saturday.
Among the dead were two children.
At least one building in Johannesburg CBD was engulfed in flames, sending smoke across the streets of the city on Saturday.
Emergency services confirmed to The Citizen that they were on the scene of a fire at a building in the city, but unconfirmed reports claim the structure in Doornfontein was illegally occupied.
The cause of the blaze has not yet been established.
Found dead inside the building
Providing an update, the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) said the three storey privately-owned Quality Springs Building went up in flames shortly before noon.
“Emergency teams immediately commenced firefighting and rescue operations while simultaneously evacuating occupants from the building to ensure their safety.
“Despite the swift response and extensive rescue efforts by emergency personnel, three adults and two children were tragically discovered deceased inside the building,” spokesperson Kagiso Phasha said.
The fire has since been extinguished, and the scene has been secured.
“The deceased bodies will be handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for further investigation.
“The City of Johannesburg EMS extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, loved ones, and all those affected by this devastating incident.
Smoke everywhere
Videos of the fire shared on social media showed smoke pouring from windows as police looked on and fire services began attending the scene. It is understood that Joburg Metro Police are now on the scene and all emergency units, including parademics, are in attendance.
The building itself looks neglected, with trash piled up, appearing to barricade the entrances.
A building is burning in Joburg cbd allegedly it belongs to foreigners.There is a police van visible outside. pic.twitter.com/AYnCCUv9zv
– Sunflower (@Sunflowerreal) June 27, 2026
A hijacked building on fire in Johannesburg CBD pic.twitter.com/TBdGUHDJwT
– VeZzy (@TheVeZzy) June 27, 2026
This is a developing story
