Police continue investigations into deadly Joburg blaze

JOHANNESBURG - Police are continuing investigations into the downtown Joburg blaze.

Over 70 people were killed and about 55 others hospitalised.

Seven of the victims were children.

At the same time, people continue searching for loved ones, unsure if they made it out alive.

READ: Joburg fire | SAPS says only municipality can condemn buildings

By Thursday evening, rescuers were wrapping up search operations before handing the scene over to police.

Authorities estimated more than "80 shacks" were set up inside.

"The fire spread very quickly, affecting different levels of the building, because of the combustible materials used," said Emergency Management Services spokesman Robert Mulaudzi.

- Additional reporting AFP