Anxious Families Await News as Rescue Crews Search for 44 Workers Trapped in South African Building Collapse
Family members of 44 construction workers trapped under a collapsed building in George, South Africa, endured a fourth day of anxious waiting on Thursday as heavy machinery worked tirelessly to locate possible survivors.
Of the 81 individuals present when the five-story residential building collapsed on Monday, eight deaths have been confirmed, and 29 were found alive, with 16 in critical condition, according to George municipality’s most recent update.
South Africa’s employment and labor minister, Thulas Nxesi, informed reporters at the scene that numerous families were anxiously awaiting news on the whereabouts of their loved ones.
Nxesi also mentioned that the government would initiate its investigation as the cause of the collapse is still unknown.
“We continue to hope and pray for the safe recovery of those trapped,” stated Anton Bredell, a Western Cape provincial minister.
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The identities of the missing individuals have not been disclosed, but a list of names has been shared among groups of concerned relatives gathered at the site since Monday, according to state broadcaster SABC.
An earth mover was seen clearing debris from the collapsed building, now a tangled mess of concrete and steel.
Sniffer dogs were brought in to aid in the search efforts.
The incident has sparked community support in George, with local businesses providing equipment and volunteers offering coffee stalls for waiting families and rescue teams.
Nearly 700 individuals were involved in the rescue operations on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, a disaster management official reported hearing survivors trapped in the debris, but there have been no recent updates on this situation.
Anxious Families Await News as Rescue Crews Search for 44 Workers Trapped in South African Building Collapse
