Devendra Kumar
Rescue teams continue to search for survivors after an apartment complex collapsed in George, South Africa, with at least seven people confirmed dead. Twenty-six workers have been rescued so far, with 42 believed to still be buried in the debris. The search-and-rescue operation is expected to take at least three days, with authorities focusing on saving lives first.
Rescuers made contact with at least 11 workers trapped in the rubble and were communicating with them, with five survivors brought out on Tuesday. It is not clear how many of those initially located have been rescued. Emergency workers erupted in applause as a survivor was brought to the surface, with rescuers shouting to him, “You are outside now!” Authorities have not provided updates on the extent of injuries, but said at least 11 of the rescued workers have severe injuries.
The search is being carried out by over 100 emergency personnel and other responders, using sniffer dogs to locate the workers. Large cranes and heavy lifting equipment are being used to assist with the rescue effort, as well as tall spotlights to allow search and rescue personnel to work through the night. The cause of the collapse is still unknown, with authorities investigating and a case opened by police.
Family and friends of the workers have gathered at the nearby municipal offices, with George Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk expressing solidarity with those affected. The provincial Western Cape government has sent the head of its disaster response unit to oversee the rescue operation, while Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has also been on the scene. The national government is being briefed on the rescue operation.
Rescue workers are using caution due to the potential for prolonged entrapment, with authorities working to get medical help to those trapped. Sniffer dogs and handlers from the Gift of the Givers non-governmental organization are also assisting with the search. The situation is expected to continue for days, with rescuers facing a difficult and challenging environment.
As the rescue effort continues, plans are being made to remove layers of concrete to potentially find more survivors deeper in the wreckage. With the collapse of the apartment complex, 75 construction workers were on site, and authorities are working to locate as many survivors as possible. The rescue operation is an ongoing and complex process, with emergency personnel working tirelessly to save lives and find missing workers.