Fire ‘severely damages’ South African parliament

A fire broke out in the building of the South African parliament in Cape Town on Sunday, local authorities said.

The fire started on the third floor of the building and caused “severe damage,” including the collapse of the roof. However, no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

“The entire parliamentary complex is severely damaged, waterlogged and smoke damaged,” JP Smith, a Cape Town mayoral committee member responsible for safety and security, said. “The roof above the old assembly hall is completely gone and the offices adjacent to it and the gym are destroyed,” he added and noted the National Assembly chamber is “gutted.”