Building collapses in George, 48 workers trapped under rubble
A multi-storey building under construction in George collapsed on Monday, trapping about 48 workers in the rubble.
A multi-storey building under construction in George collapsed on Monday, trapping a reported 48 workers in the rubble, the city hall said.
The building was situated in Victoria Street.
GEORGE MUNICIPALITY CLOSED ITS MAIN OFFICES
Chaos erupted in the immediate area with onlookers trying to get a glimpse of the disaster as rescue vehicles rushed up and down York Street.
Seventy people were on the site at the time of the collapse, of which 22 have been taken to hospital, a city spokeswoman said.
Mario Ferreira, spokesperson for the charity Gift of the Givers, assisting at the site, told AFP that rescue workers had “communication with some of the people under the rubble”.
It was still unclear what caused the building, with an underground parking lot, to fall in the early afternoon.
Photographs shared by the municipality showed a flattened construction site with multiple rescue services present.
“There have been people taken out, seriously injured. At this stage we haven’t got any fatalities yet,” said Ferreira.
According to the George Herald, rescue operations continued into the evening at the site.
The George Municipality issued a notice that its main offices, which are adjacent to the collapsed building, have been closed as a safety precaution.
“For inquiries, please contact the Municipality’s after-hours and emergencies line at 044 801 6300. For disaster-related matters, call the toll-free disaster number at 087 152 9999. For fire emergencies, dial 044 801 6311.
“Your cooperation and understanding during this time are greatly appreciated,” the notice read.
Media Release: Western Cape Government supporting and monitoring response to building collapse in George
— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) May 6, 2024
6 May 2024
The Western Cape Government (WCG) is closely monitoring and sending resources to assist the emergency response to a construction site collapse in George, in the… pic.twitter.com/yBR1YFQSow
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