A catastrophic collapse of a multi-storey building under construction on Victoria Street in George has led to a major emergency response, with dozens believed to be trapped under the debris.
George building collapse: Here are the latest updates
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- 09:00 – 17 May 2024: Rescue operations will conclude today, with the site handed over to the Department of Labour for further investigations.
- 07:00 – 16 May 2024: The figures haven’t changed since Wednesday. The rescue operation has eclipsed 232 hours since the building collapsed.
- 06:00 – 15 May 2024: On Day 8 of the rescue operation, officials recovered one victim from the rubble, which increased the death toll to 33, with 19 persons still unaccounted for.
- 06:00 – 14 May 2024: The death toll has risen to 32, with 20 victims still unaccounted for. Forensic services have escalated the identification of the deceased, with 6 victims successfully identified thus far.
- 12:00 – 13 May 2024: Death toll rose to 26, with 55 victims rescued thus far. A total of 26 victims remain unaccounted for as rescue operations continue.
- 21:00 – 12 May 2024: Death toll increased to 20, with 14 in critical condition, and 32 unaccounted for.
- 06:10 – 12 May 2024: The death toll stands at 15, with 44 victims rescued and 14 hospitalised in critical condition.
- 06:00 – 11 May 2024: The death toll has risen to 13, with 40 workers still unaccounted for. The George Municipality also confirmed that 13 patients remain in critical condition in hospital.
- 15:00 – 10 May 2024: Of the 81 workers trapped in the rubble, 40 have been rescued, 12 are deceased, 33 are hospitalised with 13 are in critical condition. Unaccounted persons total 41.
- 06:00 – 10 May 2024: The rescue operation has eclipsed 88 hours, with nine deceased, 37 retrieved, and 44 still unaccounted for. One of the patients died in hospital.
- 06:33 – 9 May 2024: Efforts kicked off this morning with 37 patients rescued, eight casualties and 44 unaccounted. The emergency response team is implementing more substantive concrete breakers and additional trucks to remove building rubble from the site.
- 05:33 – 8 May 2024: Two more victims were rescued from the rubble, bringing the number of patients unaccounted for down to 39.
- 21:09 – 7 May 2024: The total number of patients recovered from the rubble rose to 34, with 41 victims still unaccounted for. The death toll also rose to seven.
- 14:30 – 7 May 2024: The death toll rose to six, with 28 patients removed from the rubble.
- 05:15 – 7 May 2024: According to reports from the George Herald, at least 24 patients have been rescued from the rubble thus far, with four declared deceased. At the time of reporting, 51 patients are unaccounted for.
- 19:26 – 6 May 2024: Emergency rescuers are still at the scene resuming efforts to recover victims trapped in the rubble. According to the latest reports, at least 70 people were on site when the building collapsed. Thus far, approximately 22 patients have been rushed to hospitals in the province. No reports of casualties as yet.
The building, which appeared to be a four to five-storey structure potentially intended as residential flats, gave way earlier today, causing immediate concern for the safety of those inside and nearby.
The George municipality spokesperson, Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe, confirmed the collapse next to municipal buildings.
At present, estimates suggest that approximately 59 people could be trapped within the collapsed structure. The exact number of injuries or potential fatalities remains unclear as rescue operations continue.
The site has drawn considerable attention from the public, with large crowds gathering around the area, complicating efforts by emergency services to manage the scene effectively.
What’s the latest from first responders?
Emergency services were quick to arrive at the scene, with multiple local agencies participating in the rescue efforts.
Ambulances and rescue teams have flooded the area, particularly along York Street, which has been overwhelmed by the sound of sirens and the chaos of the unfolding situation.
The road adjacent to the collapse has been closed to facilitate easier access for emergency vehicles and to ensure that ambulances can reach and depart from the site with those in need of medical attention.
In a statement, Western Cape Premier Alan Wine confirmed the provincial government is actively involved in coordinating the response.
Premier Winde stated that the government is providing all necessary support to the emergency teams on the ground and that the primary focus is on saving lives.
The response includes not only local personnel but additional resources from the provincial government to aid in the rescue operations.
“At the moment, officials are focused on saving lives. This is our top priority at this stage,” he said.
This is a developing story.