Update on collapsed building in George

Construction workers at a job site in George, Western Cape, are trapped after the building they were working on collapsed on Monday afternoon.

HERE IS THE LATEST IN THE DISASTER FROM THE SCENE 

Emergency teams have worked through the night to extricate workers from the rubble. 

The death toll has risen to five, with 49 people still unaccounted for. 

WHAT THE VIDEO OF THE COLLAPSE HERE:

Here is the latest in the disaster: 

• Emergency teams are still busy with the rescue mission. The disaster saw the deployment of 111 emergency and disaster personnel working on-site through the night
• The building that collapsed was adjacent to the municipality’s main offices on York Street.
• The municipality has closed its main building as a safety precaution until further notice.
• The municipality says around 75 workers were on-site at the time.
•  Gift of the Givers has sent sniffer dogs overnight to help with search efforts.
• A humanitarian organisation, Gift of the Givers, has responded to the disaster. Its spokesperson, Ali Sablay, said its crew members were on the scene.
• The municipality has opened the foyer of the main municipal hall to accommodate family members of the construction team who were onsite at the time of the incident. The municipality will provide the relatives with the necessary assistance and support.
• Members of the public who wish to donate any drinking water, Lucozade, wine gums, or any food for the emergency services on-site, please do drop-offs via Ivy Street at 79 Victoria Street at Delplan Consulting.

SAVE THESE NUMBERS SHOULD YOU WANT TO ASSIST 

Here are some handy numbers should you be in the area and want to assist: 

• For inquiries, please contact Gift of the Givers: Mario Ferreira (082 490 2752) and Herman Pienaar (082 829 6428).
• A municipal official will be on hand in front of this building to collect any contributions and distribute them to the service officials. For inquiries, the municipality’s after-hours and emergency line can be contacted at 044 801 6300.
• For disaster-related matters, you can reach the toll-free disaster number at 087 152 9999, and for fire emergencies, dial 044 801 6311.

In a statement, Premier Winde offered all necessary support to emergency personnel to expedite their response.

THE TOP PRIORITY AT THIS STAGE IS SAVING LIVES 

“At the moment, officials are focused on saving lives. This is our top priority at this stage.”

The Western Cape Government is sending personnel support as well as emergency response support.

Meanwhile, Municipal Manager Dr Gratz expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the organisations and individuals who have sprung into action to assist with the rescue operation.

COMMUNITY THANKED FOR ASSISTING IN THE TIME OF NEED 

“We thank everyone who has volunteered of their time or provided sustenance to the rescue personnel. We continue to keep the families, friends and colleagues of those involved in this tragedy in our thoughts and prayers,”

 she said.