Rescue teams in South Africa are working tirelessly to search for any survivors who may still be trapped under the rubble of a collapsed apartment building that was under construction. One construction worker was miraculously found alive after spending six days without food or water. The authorities have confirmed that 24 construction workers have died, 28 are missing, and 29 have been recovered alive. With the possibility that the death toll could rise above 50, more than 600 personnel are involved in the search for survivors.
The collapsed building, located in George on South Africa’s south coast, had 81 workers on site when disaster struck. Of those, 29 have been rescued alive, with 13 remaining in the hospital in critical condition. The operation is still focused on rescue rather than recovery, as demonstrated by the survival of Gabriel Guambe, who was trapped for 118 hours before being pulled out. The use of heavy machinery, cranes, and sniffer dogs is aiding in reaching any potential survivors in voids within the wreckage.
The diverse group of workers, including foreign nationals from Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, adds complexity to the rescue effort as translators are needed to communicate with survivors. The identification of victims is also challenging due to the nationality of the workers. Investigations into the cause of the collapse, including potential safety protocol violations by the construction company, are ongoing. The site has been declared a crime scene by the police to ensure a thorough investigation.
The community has come together to pay tribute to the victims of the tragedy, with people laying flowers around the site and observing a moment of silence at the exact time of the collapse. The joint efforts of rescue teams and emergency services continue as they work tirelessly to find any remaining survivors. The hope remains that more people may be found alive in the voids within the collapsed building. The survival of Gabriel Guambe serves as a beacon of hope amidst the devastation and loss.
