Apartment building collapse in George
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Date | 6 May 2024 |
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Time | (SAST) |
Venue | NEO Victoria |
Location | 75 Victoria St, Dormehls Drift, George, South Africa |
Coordinates | 23°58′33″S 28°32′7″E / 23.97583°S 28.53528°E |
Deaths | 34 |
Non-fatal injuries | 16 |
On 6 May 2024, an apartment building collapsed while under construction in George, South Africa, resulting in 34 deaths.[1][2][3]
Casualties
Thirty-four construction workers were killed in the collapse or died later as a result of their injuries. Sixty-two people were on site at the time of the collapse, many of whom were rescued alive in a ten-day rescue and recovery operation.[1][4][5] The last survivor Gabriel Guambe was rescued on Friday 10 May after 5 days (118 hours) trapped under the rubble.[6]
Survivors
- Delvin Safers
- Gabriel Guambe
- Moses Malala
Background
In August 2020, Erf 15098 was sold for R 2.07 million to Pacific Breeze Trading 91. In March 2021, the owners of the land applied for amendments to the building; an increase from 4 to 5 storeys and inclusion of 66 parking bays in an underground basement parking lot. The developer, Neo Trend Group Ice Projects, submitted its final plans in December 2022; it had been approved in July 2023.[7] On 14 March 2024, plans for the building were signed off for.[8]
Investigation into collapse
The collapse is being investigated by a number of government entities.
References
- ^ a b "Update on Building Collapse Site in George, Western Cape – South Africa". George Municipality. 17 May 2024.
- ^ "George building collapse | Survivor found in rubble - eNCA". www.enca.com. 11 May 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
- ^ Luvhengo, Phathu. "George building collapse: Death toll rises to 9 as hospitalised victim dies". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
- ^ "George building collapse: Trapped South African man texting family". 7 May 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ Ludidi, Tamsin Metelerkamp and Velani (8 May 2024). "With 38 still missing, George building rescuers switch to large machinery". Daily Maverick. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ "Special Update on Building Collapse Site – Survivor speaks". George Municipality. 11 May 2024.
- ^ Thamm, Marianne (7 May 2024). "What is known about Erf 15098, George, site of the deadly building collapse". Daily Maverick. Archived from the original on 8 May 2024. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
- ^ Thamm, Marianne (9 May 2024). "Engineer who signed George building plans reported missing, later found". Daily Maverick. Archived from the original on 9 May 2024. Retrieved 13 May 2024.