One dead, dozens trapped as building under construction collapses in South Africa

One person has been reported dead when a multi-storey building under construction in the coastal city of George, South Africa, collapsed on Monday.

Police said about 22 workers were injured in the incident and were taken to hospitals, without providing details of their conditions.

Dozens more are believed to be trapped under the rubble.

Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe, George’s municipal spokesperson, said there was a construction crew of about 70 on the site when the collapse occurred in the afternoon.

“Currently, the rescue operation remains underway with over 80 rescue personnel 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,” Mangqwengqwe said.

The provincial Western Cape government said it was closely monitoring the situation and had sent resources to assist with the emergency response.

Meanwhile, the Western Cape Disaster Management Agency said additional supplies were on their way from Cape Town and Worcester.

“The city of Cape Town as well as the Western Cape EMS have dispatched rescue trucks that have cranes on them that can lift up to around 20 tons to assist with the rescue operation,” Colin Deiner, the agency head, said.

Deiner added that a specialised rescue unit and approximately 50 rescuers who are trained in structural collapse rescue were responding together while sniffer dogs would also be sent down.