Rescue efforts in George, Western Cape, persist following the collapse of a multi-storey apartment block on 6 May. At approximately 14:09 on Monday, the five-storey building under construction on Victoria Street succumbed to structural failure, ensnaring workers under tons of rubble. The tragedy has claimed seven lives, while many others remain unaccounted for.

As of 05:33 on 8 May, rescue teams have extracted 36 individuals from the debris, confirming seven fatalities. Chantel Edwards, spokesperson for the George Municipality, disclosed, “Seventy-five construction workers were present on the site at the time of the collapse,” leaving 39 people still missing.

An extensive rescue operation involving over 200 emergency services personnel is presently underway. Among the responders are specialists from Search and Rescue South Africa (Sarza), comprising ten members dispatched to assist, including a surgeon and nine rescuers. The Western Cape Disaster Management requested Sarza’s assistance with the ongoing rescue mission.

The five-storey building was part of a development project promising two-bedroom apartments, with an occupancy date of 1 August.

In the wake of the collapse, scrutiny has shifted to the project’s history and involved parties. Liatel Developments, the contracting firm overseeing the construction, has committed to full cooperation with authorities as investigations into the collapse commence. Meanwhile, the Western Cape government has enlisted engineering firm V3 to conduct an independent inquiry into the incident. 

This ongoing disaster follows the Usindiso fire in Johannesburg on 31 August 2023, which resulted in the loss of 77 lives. A Commission of Inquiry launched after the fire recently found the City of Johannesburg partially responsible for the blaze. In light of the George building collapse, the outcome of the Usindiso fire investigations can be anticipated to catalyse renewed efforts to maintain safety standards and municipal regulatory enforcement.

The collapse has prompted an outpouring of community support. Efforts are underway to aid emergency services personnel involved in the rescue mission. Donations of drinking water, food, and safety equipment are being coordinated to support the ongoing efforts.

Nearly 48 hours after the building’s collapse, rescue operations persist. Updates on the 39 missing workers are expected as the rescue operation progresses.