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Stripping shell caused collapse

DEATHTRAP: This building on the corner of End and Jeppe streets in central Johannesburg collapsed on Wednesday. Photo: Mamodima Monnakgotla
DEATHTRAP: This building on the corner of End and Jeppe streets in central Johannesburg collapsed on Wednesday. Photo: Mamodima Monnakgotla

A BURNT three-storey building would not have collapsed had it not been for the people who saw an opportunity to remove its beams made of steel to make money.

The building on the corner of End Street and Jeppe Street in Johannesburg burnt down on February 25, leaving several people displaced. It collapsed on Wednesday at about 2.45pm.

Johannesburg emergency management services spokesman Niel Rooi has deduced that the unemployed seemingly saw an opportunity to go into the building and collect metal from the burnt structure to sell as scrap metals.

Said Rooi this week: "When we arrived at the scene, a vendor who was selling outside the building had been injured and residents told us there were more people inside, who were stripping the building when it collapsed." The vendor was treated and taken to Hillbrow Hospital.

"We cannot confirm if the people got out or if they are still trapped. No remains have been found," Rooi said. He said after the fire, the building was enclosed and no one was allowed to go in.

"A legal and special investigation process is in motion to find the private owner before the cleaning operation can take place," Rooi said.

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