CAPE TOWN, South Africa: Rescuers are working tirelessly to locate approximately 50 individuals believed to be trapped beneath the rubble during a devastating building collapse in Cape Town on Tuesday.
The collapse of the multi-storey building, still under construction, has claimed the lives of five people, with 26 others successfully rescued from the debris.
George, an area in Cape Town is renowned for its picturesque coastal landscapes and vibrant community, was shaken by the tragic incident, which occurred on Monday afternoon. The collapse, which occurred around 2:00 pm local time, involved a construction crew of 75 individuals, sparking a massive rescue operation.
Currently, three teams of rescue personnel are deployed at different areas within the collapsed site, utilizing all available resources to locate and extricate those trapped. The reasons behind the building collapse, which included an underground parking garage, remain under investigation.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation to provide closure to the community and prevent similar disasters in the future.
Amidst the devastation, rescue workers have established communication with some individuals trapped under the rubble, offering hope amidst the chaos. Additional resources, including diggers and sniffer dogs, have been mobilized to bolster rescue efforts.
The city council, emergency services, and charitable organizations like Gift of the Givers are working in tandem to coordinate rescue operations and provide support to affected families. Relatives of the trapped individuals have been urged to gather at the city hall, where they will receive assistance and updates on the ongoing rescue efforts.
As the nation grapples with this tragedy, Mayor Leon van Wyk reassured the community that every effort is being made to locate and rescue those still trapped. The city of George, governed by the Democratic Alliance, remains united in solidarity during this challenging time.
