Moments before they died, three firefighters trapped in a burning government building in Johannesburg's inner city were on their phones, crying and pleading with their helpless colleagues to rescue them from the flames, and asking them to tell their families they loved them.
It has also emerged that the City of Johannesburg has only 15 working fire vehicles for 5-million residents. It should have more than 100. The shortage of fire vehicles, and claims that procedures were not followed, have raised concerns that the deaths could have been avoided.
Simphiwe Moropane, 28, fell to his death after he apparently smashed open a window to get fresh air. His air cylinder, which lasts roughly 45 minutes, is believed to have run empty.
His colleagues Mduduzi Ndlovu, 40, and Khathutshelo Muedi, 37, were found close to the window ledge from which Moropane fell. They are believed to have died from burns and smoke inhalation.
The three, who were from Fairview fire station, were among 11 firefighters who entered the building to save trapped employees working for the Gauteng departments of health, human settlements and co-operative governance & traditional affairs.
Their eight remaining colleagues, some of whom were trapped on a 60cm-wide window ledge, were eventually rescued hours later by police helicopters and firefighters.
It has also emerged that the fire department is investigating several allegations that no-one checked the water pressure at the building entrance before they entered. This is standard procedure. One of the reasons firefighters battled to contain the blaze was that the water pressure was so low.
Also under investigation are claims that officials did not follow protocol by setting up a safety staging area two floors below the fire. Such an area is used as a back-up station where spare air cylinders, ropes and personal protection equipment, including radios, are kept...