At least seven people have died after a fire broke out in a building in downtown Johannesburg, South African authorities said.

The city's emergency services department said a crane was used to rescue more than 50 people from the roof of the building that caught fire on Wednesday.

Five people were rushed to hospital.

One of the victims died when he jumped from the building, local media reported.

#JHBFire Preliminary investigation underway to find the cause of fire which started on the 2nd floor of the Cape York building pic.twitter.com/xGO5Sbr3xA — City of Joburg EMS (@CityofJoburgEMS) July 5, 2017

South African media reported some people were treated for smoke inhalation.

City Mayor Herman Mashaba appeared at the scene of the fire to assess the damage caused by the blaze.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.

More soon..