By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG

 At least seven people died Wednesday morning in a fire in a nine-story building in central Johannesburg, the city’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) confirmed to Anadolu Agency.

“Seven people have died and seven others have been taken to the hospital with different injuries,’’ EMS spokeswoman Nana Radebe said.

She said one of the victims had died after jumping from the building, while six others were found dead inside the Cape York building in the city’s Central Business District.

Authorities said 50 people were rescued and treated for smoke inhalation.

According to authorities, people were residing illegally in the building. The number of residents has not yet been divulged. Rescue operations are ongoing.