George building collapse: Death toll now on 33
In the latest update from the site where a building in George collapsed, the death toll now stands at 33.
It has been more than a week since a building in George collapsed. The death toll at midday on Tuesday is 33.
A TOTAL OF 9 WORKERS ARE STILL UNACCOUNTED FOR
According to the George Municipality, 19 workers are still unaccounted for.
“Rescue and recovery efforts have reached day eight following the incident at 75 Victoria Street. Rescue workers and other role-players have been on site of the collapsed building for 193 hours.”
It furthermore said amongst those who died in the tragedy were 27 men and six women.
THOSE WHO HAVE DIED IS 27 MEN AND SIX WOMEN
A total of 12 people that have been rescued are currently in hospital.
The municipality urged families who have lost contact with their lost one to come to the George Civic Centre on York Street.
“We are experiencing difficulties in obtaining accurate names of individuals missing or deceased due to the building collapse.
“We urgently request families who have lost contact with their loved ones to come to the George Civic Centre on York Street.
“This will enable the Department of Social Development to collect detailed and precise information, ensuring that all records are accurately documented.”
HAVE YOU LOST CONTACT WITH A FAMILY MEMBER IN THIS AREA?
The municipality furthermore said a request for a cultural prayer by a family member of one of the deceased was made, and permission was granted for Wednesday, 15 May, at 07:15.
The National Minister of Employment and Labour, Hon. Thulas Nxesi, is expected to visit the area on Thursday.
A CULTURAL PRAYER SESSION WILL TAKE PLACE ON WEDNESDAY
According to the municipality, the primary focus continues to be rescue efforts.
“With this in mind, we are also proactively setting up plans to expedite the identification of the deceased. This is done by Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) and South African Police Service (SAPS).
“We, therefore, endeavour to fast-track the process to help bring closure to families. Fingerprints, DNA testing and photographs of unique markings such as tattoos and clothing items are some of the methods used to identify the deceased. Forensic Pathology Services are not limited to the Victoria Street Disaster in George, but also include other cases that happen on a daily basis.” says the municipality.
It added that six of the deceased were positively identified – this information also went through the system.
IT IS STILL A NO-FLYZONE
the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has declared the incident site at Victoria Street a No-Fly Zone.
“We will strictly enforce this restriction, and we will subject any individuals found violating it to criminal prosecution.”
Meanwhile, it said in their ongoing efforts to support survivors and families, they issue a call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages. Practitioners can reach out to Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.