Watch: 73 dead, 52 injured in fire at Johannesburg building occupied by squatters

Dozens were killed in a fire Thursday at a building in Johannesburg that was occupied by squatters. Photo by Kim Ludbrook/EPA-EFE

Aug. 31 (UPI) -- The death toll from a massive Johannesburg fire in a so-called hijacked building rose to 73 on Thursday, with 52 injured, as authorities began to question why the structure was occupied.

While the cause of the fire in the five-story building remained under investigation, officials said the central business district space was abandoned and occupied by squatters, mostly immigrants who have traveled to the South Africa's largest city in hopes of a better life. Oftentimes, these buildings don't have legally connected electricity and other utilities.

Robert Mulaudzi, a spokesman for the city's emergency services, said hundreds of settlements were established inside the building. The fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. local time, when many people inside the building were asleep.

City officials said search-and-rescue efforts continued through Thursday to find more survivors and bodies.

"Sending heartfelt condolences to the families impacted" by the Johannesburg fire, the city posted on social media. "The Executive Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda and council speaker Colleen Makhubele stand united in their commitment to provide unwavering support during this challenging time."

Officials said the fire erupted in the five-story building about 1 a.m. Thursday. The cause of the blaze was under investigation. Photo courtesy of City of Joburg EMS/Twitter

Makhubele said the fire could have been prevented, but the city's efforts to thwart such illegal occupations of abandoned buildings have been held up by legal challenges by nonprofits and civil society organizations.

Videos of the fire published online by the city show a chaotic scene of ambulances and bright orange flames tearing through the building on Thursday morning.