George building collapse update: 27 men, 6 women dead

Rescue and recovery efforts are into day nine following the tragic incident in George which saw a building under construction collapse last Monday afternoon.

Rescue workers and other role-players have been on site of the collapsed building for 214 hours at the time of publishing.

Construction plans for a 42-unit apartment block had been approved by the city last July.

The reasons for the George building collapse are still unknown.

According the latest George Municipality update, the confirmed statistics for the incident are:

Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81
Rescued and recovered: 62
Of which deceased: 33 (27 males, 6 females)
Currently hospitalised: 12
Unaccounted for: 19

FAMILIES LINKED TO SURVIVORS AND DECEASED

Up to now, 47 victims have been linked to their families.

STRICT VERIFICATION IN PLACE

The Garden Route District Joint Operations Centre’s adherence to a stringent double verification protocol is crucial for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of reported numbers of the deceased, which is essential in emergency and disaster response scenarios.

This verification process involves cross-referencing information from multiple reliable sources, such as recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.

MINISTERIAL AND OTHER VISITS

President Cyril Ramaphosa will visit the disaster site in George, accompanied by a delegation of National Ministers, on Thursday, 16 May.

NO MORE FOOD DONATIONS NEEDED FOR FAMILIES

George Municipality confirms that the donations of fresh food received for the affected families who remain in the George Civic Centre are adequate.

The families remain supported and provided with meals.

However, for those still willing to contribute, donations may be redirected to AFM (AGS) Soteria Church at 27 Victoria Street in George.

ARE YOU ABLE TO MAKE A FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION?

The municipality has also had requests from the public about financial donations.

Please use the banking details below:

• George Municipality: Relief and Charitable Fund
• ABSA BANK Cheque Acc: 9149554208
• Branch Code: 632005

POST-INCIDENT SUPPORT

The Western Cape Department of Social Development has indicated that a comprehensive range of services will continue to be made available to the affected families for a minimum of six months.