As of Thursday, 9 May 2024, rescue operations continue at the site of the Neo Victoria building collapse in George, with emergency teams working relentlessly to find survivors among the rubble.
UPDATE: Follow the latest news on the George building collapse, with live updates for Friday, 10 May 2024.
George building collapse: What are the latest updates?
As of early this morning, the Garden Route District Joint Operational Centre reported that the number of workers present at the time of the collapse was 81, an increase from the initially reported 75.
The rescue operation, now at 64 hours, has seen 37 individuals retrieved from the debris.
Among those, eight have tragically died, 16 are in critical condition, six face life-threatening injuries, and seven have minor injuries.
Currently, 44 individuals remain unaccounted for.
What are rescuers doing to remove the rubble?
The emergency response teams have intensified their efforts by incorporating more substantial concrete breakers and deploying additional trucks to help clear the building rubble more effectively.
This strategic approach aims to expedite the search and rescue operations, providing quicker access to any possible survivors still trapped beneath the debris.
Who is the contractor behind the George building collapse?
The collapsed building was a project under the management of Liatel Developments, a company owned by Theuns Kruger, a practising attorney with extensive experience in commercial and construction law.
Established in 2009, Liatel Developments was involved in several property and commercial development projects, including the acquisition of key properties aimed at expanding its market presence.
The company’s role in the incident is under scrutiny as investigations continue to pinpoint the cause of the collapse.
Words from Premier Alan Winde
Premier Alan Winde expressed profound appreciation for the first responders and the community’s collective effort in the ongoing rescue operations.
“You all make me as your Premier of this extraordinary province humble and grateful for everything you have done and are still doing,” he remarked during his visit to the site.
Premier Winde emphasised the solidarity and commitment of the local community and volunteers who have rallied to support the emergency teams and the families affected by this tragedy.