Search and rescue teams persist in their endeavors at the site of the tragic incident, a full week after disaster struck in the city of George, located in South Africa’s Western Cape province. Municipal authorities revealed on Monday that the death toll has tragically risen to 23.
An ongoing investigation seeks to uncover the root cause of the collapse, with the country’s public works minister slated to visit the accident site on Monday, as reported by local media outlets.
Amidst the somber atmosphere, a ray of hope emerged on Saturday when a man was miraculously rescued from underneath the rubble, a staggering 116 hours after the initial accident occurred.
See Also: South Africa: Over 26 Rescued as Rescue Mission Continues
The ill-fated building, approved for construction last July as a 42-unit apartment block, succumbed shortly after 2:00pm local time on Monday, plunging the construction site into chaos.
Initial estimates suggest that approximately 75 construction workers were present at the site when the tragedy struck, amplifying the scale of the disaster.
Currently, 15 individuals remain hospitalized, with many others still unaccounted for. Allegations have surfaced, suggesting that a significant portion of the construction crew comprised foreign nationals.
In response, the government has vowed to reach out to the diplomatic missions of Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Mozambique, although these claims have yet to be officially confirmed. As the investigation unfolds and rescue efforts persist, the nation stands united in mourning, grappling with the profound loss and seeking solace amidst the devastation.
Source: Africa News