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Search Intensifies for Missing in South Africa Building Collapse
Efforts are underway in South Africa to locate approximately 50 individuals who went missing following the collapse of a five-story apartment building on Monday. The tragedy, which occurred in the southern coastal city of George, has claimed at least six lives so far, with rescuers identifying 11 survivors within the debris on Tuesday.
Among those discovered are four individuals trapped in the building’s basement. The cause of the collapse is currently under investigation, as emergency workers meticulously sift through concrete blocks and debris by hand at the scene. Each discovery prompts a moment of hopeful silence, although some have been false alarms.
Of the estimated 75 workers present at the construction site, the majority remain unaccounted for, making the extraction of survivors a slow and arduous process. Colin Deiner, chief director for disaster management, emphasized the ongoing efforts to carefully remove layers of the collapsed structure, acknowledging the possibility of finding more survivors.
The entire rescue operation is anticipated to span four to five days, with video footage capturing the dramatic moment of the building’s collapse, shrouding the area in a cloud of dust. The site has been cordoned off to the public, but onlookers gathered nearby express shock and disbelief at the unfolding tragedy.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his condolences to the families affected by the incident, urging a thorough investigation to bring closure to the community and prevent similar disasters in the future. Similarly, the city’s mayor, Ald Van Wyk, conveyed his sympathies to the affected families and individuals awaiting news of their loved ones, as the search and rescue efforts continue.
Throughout the night, over 100 rescuers, aided by sniffer dogs, diligently worked to locate individuals trapped within the collapsed building. Heavy lifting equipment was mobilized to support the ongoing operation.
Recent images depict a stark scene: the once-standing construction site now reduced to a flattened expanse of rubble, with fragments of the building’s roof strewn amidst the debris.
Local councillor Theresa Jeyi shared her firsthand account of the harrowing event: “I saw one guy was working and then ‘boom’ and I saw the whole building collapsed… I’m also traumatized. It is very sad.”
