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18/05/2015: Mayor sends condolences to EMS firefighters 

The City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor, Cllr. Parks Tau sends his sincere condolences to the families of the two Joburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) firefighters who were killed in the line of duty on Saturday night (16 May).
He furthermore wishes the other two firefighters, who were treated for smoke inhalation outside a seven-storey building on Market Street in the city centre, a speedy recovery. One of the firefighters remains in hospital for further treatment while the other did not require hospitalisation.

Firefighters form a very important part of the city’s emergency response team, and this often comes to light more especially in winter when the number of fire incidents increases in both residential and commercial areas. The two firefighters, who lost their lives in the line of duty, are indeed a great loss to the city’s emergency services.

A team of senior management in the EMS has since visited the building to find clues on what could have caused the tragic incident. A preliminary incident report has been given to Mayor Tau, who is currently on Council business in Argentina for the Metropolis Annual General Meeting.  According to the report, two firefighters, who lost their lives, were wearing full protective clothing for firefighting – including breathing apparatuses with face masks.

The report indicated that several hours after a team of firefighters begun operations in the burning building, an explosion occurred in the basement where the fire had started. Two firefighters were later found trapped and unconscious inside the building. Paramedics administered advanced medical treatment, but sadly could not save them.

Ends

Issued by:
Phindile Chauke
Mayoral Communications
Cell. 072 360 1533
Email. phindileC@joburg.org.za