- Death toll rises to 7
- 11 trapped workers rescued.
In George, South Africa, a frantic rescue effort persists into the night as over 30 individuals remain trapped beneath the wreckage of a collapsed apartment building. The construction site, bustling with 75 workers, suffered a catastrophic collapse on Monday afternoon, claiming at least 7 lives.
Colin Deiner, leading the provincial Western Cape disaster management services, conveyed the intensity of the rescue operation, expecting it to extend for at least three days. “We are going to give it the absolute maximum time to see how many people we can rescue,” Deiner emphasized during a press briefing, highlighting the immense challenges faced by rescue teams maneuvering heavy machinery near trapped individuals.
Earlier assessments revealed some workers with limbs pinned under concrete, necessitating urgent medical assistance. “Our big concern is entrapment for many hours… We got our medics in as soon as we possibly could,” Deiner stressed, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
See Also: 5 Dead and 49 Missing as Building Collapses in South Africa
Amidst the chaos, a pivotal moment emerged when rescue teams silenced all machinery to listen for signs of life amidst the rubble. “We were actually hearing people through the rubble,” Deiner recounted, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation.
As families anxiously await news of their loved ones, the George municipality provides support, rallying social workers to assist affected individuals. Meanwhile, authorities initiate investigations into the cause of the collapse, with a criminal case opened by police. CCTV footage captured the harrowing moment of collapse, prompting scrutiny over structural integrity and safety protocols.
Alan Winde, Premier of the Western Cape province, assures thorough investigations to ascertain accountability and prevent future tragedies. “We need to understand what happened here and who is responsible,” Winde emphasized, echoing the sentiments of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who extended condolences to the victims’ families while advocating for comprehensive inquiries.
Source: Africa News