Controversy over fire deaths
|Published
Three firefighters confirmed dead in Joburg government building fire. Cartoon: Bethuel Mangena/African News Agency (ANA) Three firefighters confirmed dead in Joburg government building fire. Cartoon: Bethuel Mangena/African News Agency (ANA)
Fatigue, lack of resources and ill- preparedness may have played a crucial role in the horrific deaths of three Johannesburg firefighters this week.
Climbing 23 flight of stairs with heavy equipment on their shoulders, they would have arrived at the burning floor out of breath.
How does a firefighter die from smoke inhalation when they are supposed to have breathing apparatus?
These factors and allegations which include possible arson to destroy crucial evidence have surfaced in the wake of the fateful fire on Wednesday.
The three who died were Simphiwe Maropane, Mduduzi Ndlovu, and Khathutshelo Muedi.
One lost his balance and fell to his death from the 23rd floor.
The EFF’s Donald Mabunda, who serves on the city’s public safety portfolio committee, did not mince his words when he said there was some negligence involved.
“From 2016, we have been complaining about the lack of fire engines. There are 29 fire stations in Johan- nesburg serviced by only 14 engines.”
He said fire stations in black areas lacked resources.
Nana Radebe, spokesperson for Joburg Emergency Services, said she don’t want to speculate about what led to the deaths of the three firefighters.
She said “bunker gear, rescue and breathing apparatus” was found on them. Radebe said the crew sent to the burning Bank of Lisbon site were experts in putting out fires in high-rise buildings.
A service for the fallen men will be held on Wednesday in Ellis Park.