The death toll from the building collapse in George keeps on climbing.
Authorities have now confirmed that five people have died following Monday afternoon’s multi-story building collapse in Victoria street.
The fifth body was recovered just after 07h00 on Tuesday.
So far, 25 patients have been rescued, while 49 people are still unaccounted for.
The municipality’s Chantèl Edwards says the rescue work continues.
“Municipal Manager Dr Gratz expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the organisations and individuals who have sprung into action to assist with the rescue operation. “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”.
Meanwhile, the South African Communist Party (SACP) in the Western Cape is calling on the Department of Labour and Employment to institute an independent inquiry into the George building collapse. The SACP says the inquiry should focus amongst other things, on whether there was compliance with all applicable construction regulations.
Picture: Herman Pieters
