Update
GEORGE NEWS - Following the collapse of a multi-storey building under construction in Victoria Street this afternoon, Monday 6 May, multiple Disaster Service personnel including Saps Search and Rescue teams with sniffer dogs are currently involved in a rescue operation to retrieve 53 trapped construction workers.
The collapse occurred at 14:09 this afternoon with the first emergency call coming in at 14:14.
Seventy-five (75) members of construction crew have been confirmed on site at the time of the incident. Twenty-two (22) patients have been retrieved and sent to hospitals or medical centres in George.
Sadly two (2) of the twenty-two (22) patients have been declared deceased.
Emergency personnel on their way from the City of Cape Town and Worcester Disaster Services as well as the Western Cape Provincial Disaster Services are expected to be on site before midnight tonight.
At present over 100 emergency and other personnel are on site.
Family and friends of the construction workers involved in the incident are being given space to gather at the foyer of the main municipal building and will be assisted by Department of Social Services and Correctional Services Social Workers.
Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk expressed his sincere condolences on behalf of George Council and the municipal administration to the family and colleagues of the deceased.
"Our thoughts are with the families and all those affected who continue to wait on word of their loved one’s, “ said mayor Van Wyk.
An update will be issued at midnight tonight South African Time.
Note: Should any member of the public wish to provide drinking water, lucozade, wine gums, or any food for the emergency services while they are on site – kindly deliver to the tent site, corner of Ivy and Victoria Street, Delplan Consulting which is being manned by Gift of the Givers and Herman Pienaar of LoveGeorge.
For enquiries to give please contact: Gift of the Givers: Mario Ferreira (082 490 2752) and Herman Pienaar (082 829 6428)
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