DStv Channel 403 Thursday, 26 December 2024

George building collapse | Dozens of construction workers still trapped under rubble

GEORGE - The death toll in the George building collapse has risen to six.

Rescuers are still searching for 49 people trapped under rubble.

"Three teams of rescue personnel are currently working on three different areas within the site of the collapsed building," authorities said on Tuesday. 

The reasons for the collapse of the building, which included an underground parking garage, are still undetermined.

President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his "deep condolences to the relatives and friends" of the victims and said his thoughts were with the families of the dead and missing. 

READ: George building collapse | Teams scramble to rescue dozens trapped under rubble

He called for an investigation, saying it must "bring closure to the community and prevent a repeat of this disaster". 

Mario Ferreira, spokesman for the charity Gift of the Givers, which is assisting at the site, told AFP rescue workers had managed "communication with some of the people under the rubble".

Officials said relatives of those trapped had been asked to gather at the city hall, near the construction site, where they would be taken care of.

"Our thoughts are with the families and all those affected, who continue to wait for word of their loved ones," Mayor Leon van Wyk said.

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