Rescue teams in Cape Town, South Africa, worked tirelessly through the night following the collapse of a multi-story apartment complex under construction in the coastal city of George. The tragic incident left five individuals dead, with 49 workers still missing and 21 others rescued, some with severe injuries.
The collapse occurred on Monday afternoon, with more than 100 emergency personnel and responders on-site utilizing sniffer dogs to locate workers trapped under the rubble. Large cranes and spotlights were deployed to aid in the rescue efforts, as the community anxiously awaited news of their loved ones.
Authorities reported that 75 workers were present at the construction site during the collapse. Families and friends gathered at municipal offices for updates and support as rescue operations continued.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse is underway, with police opening a case to determine the circumstances leading to the tragedy. CCTV footage captured the moment the building crumbled, sending shockwaves through the neighborhood.
Local organizations, including the Gift of the Givers, offered assistance to the rescue teams, providing food, drink, and sniffer dogs to aid in the search efforts. The situation remains critical, with ongoing rescue operations expected to last for days.
The Western Cape government dispatched additional resources to support the rescue mission, emphasizing the priority of saving lives. Provincial and national authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure a coordinated response.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event, the focus remains on the well-being of those affected and the tireless efforts of the rescue teams working to bring closure to this tragedy.
