Joburg fire | Phaahla urges victims’ families to come forward

JOHANNESBURG - Two victims from the deadly fire at the hijacked building in Johannesburg have succumbed to their injuries in hospital, raising the death toll to 76.

Some families are yet to identify loved ones after over 60 were burnt beyond recognition.

Thembalethu Mpahlaza, the head of forensics services in Gauteng, said the process would require DNA tests.

READ: Joburg fire | Survivors hoping to salvage what’s left

There were only "12 bodies that are identifiable, that can be viewed," he said.

Health Minister Joe Phaahla urged the families of the victims to come forward.

"We don’t have authority to say the immigration laws of country should be set aside. In the interest of resolving the tragedy we will work together," he said.

"We want to encourage those who know people who demised in this tragedy.. to come forward."

Phaahla visited the survivors at Helen Joseph Hospital.

Upon the conclusion of his visit, the minister told the media that patients were admitted with smoke inhalation, adding that most of them also suffered broken limbs.

READ: Some affected by Joburg fire refuse to report to shelters

"Those patients who are still in hospitals, about five hospitals here around Johannesburg, it's mainly smoke inhalation," he said.

"And then of course, the bigger portion is broken limbs, including in some cases, two patients who have broken spines, broken back.

"The large majority, it's broken long bones, so in other words arms and legs."

- Additional reporting AFP