Deadly South Africa building collapse leaves scores trapped
A five-storey building in South Africa, under construction, has collapsed, killing four people and leaving at least 50 trapped.
Officials in the city of George, Western Cape province say 24 people have been rescued from the wreckage and taken to hospital.
A team of 75 crew were on the site when the building collapsed on Monday.
The cause of the collapse is being investigated.
Two of the 22 people pulled from the wreckage died of their injuries. Another two deaths were reported later.
The building collapsed at 14:09 local time, with emergency services immediately rushing to the scene.
George South Africa 🇿🇦 *MEDIA STATEMENT: Update on Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George*
_Issued George Municipal, 6 May 2024, 6pm_Following the collapse of a multi-storey building under construction in Victoria Street this afternoon, Disaster Service teams from George… pic.twitter.com/whsx8xW9ik
— Peace and Coffee ☕️ (@gr8ce4race) May 6, 2024
Overnight, more than 100 rescuers with sniffer dogs continued to search for those trapped in the building. Heavy lifting equipment is being used to assist the operation.
“Our thoughts are with the families and all those affected who continue to wait for word of their loved ones,” said George Mayor Ald Van Wyk.
Officials said they had been able to establish contact with some of those under the rubble.