Rescue teams in the Western Cape have worked overnight rescuing construction workers who are still trapped under the rubble after a multi-storey building collapsed yesterday. So far, five people have been declared dead while twenty-six were rescued and are receiving medical attention at different hospitals.

RESCUE OPERATION ONGOING  

According to George Local Municipality, 75 construction workers were present on the site at the time of the collapse which occurred around 2PM yesterday in Victoria in George. As of this morning, the municipality confirmed that 49 people are still trapped under the building and that three rescue teams are currently working on three different areas within the site of the building. Municipal manager, Dr Michele Gatz, said that the rescue teams and volunteers are working to remove the bodies that are trapped inside the rubble. "We thank everyone who has volunteered 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. Dr Gatz further said that people who wish to provide drinking water, Lucozade, wine gums, or any food for emergency services must deliver it on Victoria Street.

CONDOLENCES FROM THE PRESIDENT 

Premier Alan Winde and his cabinet said that they were being briefed on the incident. "All the necessary support has been offered to emergency personnel to expedite their response. At the moment, officials are focused on saving lives. This is our top priority at this stage," said Winde. President Cyril Ramaphosa has also offered condolences to the families of the deceased. " The President's thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones as well as the families of close to 50 people who are trapped in the rubble. President Ramaphosa wishes rescue teams the best as they go about their operations and says investigations into the cause of the incident must aim to bring closure to the community and prevent a repeat of this disaster,' spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said.