Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ Rescuers toiled tirelessly through the night, battling against time and rubble, to free dozens of construction workers trapped under the wreckage of a multi-story apartment complex that had tragically collapsed in a South African coastal city. As dawn broke on Tuesday, the death toll stood at five, with 49 workers still buried beneath the twisted concrete debris. Miraculously, 21 individuals had been rescued, though many suffered severe injuries.
The catastrophic collapse unfolded in George, a city situated approximately 400 kilometres east of Cape Town along South Africa’s southern coast. Over 100 emergency personnel, aided by sniffer dogs and heavy machinery, worked relentlessly to locate and extract survivors from the rubble. Despite the perilous conditions and formidable barriers posed by the collapsed structure, rescuers remained undeterred in their mission.
Colin Deiner, chief director of the Western Cape Disaster Management and Fire and Rescue Services, described the operation as arduous, emphasizing the complexity of navigating through layers of concrete to reach trapped workers. Amidst the chaos, hope flickered as rescuers established communication with 11 individuals trapped beneath the rubble, offering a glimmer of optimism amidst the devastation.
As the rescue operation pressed on, families and friends anxiously awaited news of their loved ones, congregating at nearby municipal offices for updates. Meanwhile, authorities launched investigations to determine the cause of the tragedy, with a police case opened to shed light on the sudden collapse.
The incident drew swift responses from governmental and non-governmental organizations alike, with support pouring in from across the region. Marco Ferreira, representing the Gift of the Givers charity, offered vital assistance to rescue efforts, underscoring the community’s solidarity in times of crisis.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde underscored the urgency of the situation, mobilizing additional resources to bolster rescue efforts and save lives. Amidst the chaos and devastation, the unwavering commitment of emergency responders and volunteers stood as a beacon of hope, embodying the resilience and unity of the South African spirit in the face of adversity.
