Many SA cities don't prioritise fire safety, firefighter tells Usindiso inquiry
The commission of inquiry into the Usindiso building fire resumed on Wednesday, with Wynand Engelbrecht testifying on the fire response.
FILE: Marshalltown Commission of Inquiry chairperson, Justice Sisi Khampepe, listens to testimony on 20 December 2023. Picture: Alpha Ramushwana/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - Firefighter Wyand Engelbrecht said that there was not enough equipment to attend to the Marshalltown building fire that claimed the lives of 76 people.
The commission of inquiry into the Usindiso building fire resumed on Wednesday, with Engelbrecht testifying on the fire response.
In August last year, the hijacked building caught fire in the inner city, killing over 70 people and leaving dozens others injured.
Englebrecht said that many cities in the country did not prioritise fire safety.
"The profile is one of general neglect, with total disregard for fire safety and thus for the preservation of life. It's clear that structures in both public and privately owned buildings are left to deteriorate to a point of no return."