George building collapse: Eighth worker dies

The rescue operation hit 55 hours as of 9pm on Wednesday night.


George municipality has confirmed an eighth worker has died after a building under construction collapsed.

Of 37 patients retrieved, eight are blue (deceased), 16 are red patients (critical), six yellow patients (life-threatening injuries), seven are green (minor injuries).

A total of 38 of the initial 75 workers on site remain unaccounted for at present.

The rescue operation hit 55 hours as of 9pm on Wednesday night.

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The emergency services have declared eight people deceased.

Rescue operations at the building collapse site on Victoria Street continue with a multi-disciplinary rescue team of more than 200 emergency services.

According to the George municipality, 75 construction workers were present on the site at the time of the collapse, which occurred at about 2pm on Monday.

The rescue operation has been going on for about 40 hours since the collapse of the building.

George building collapse: how to donate

The George municipality has called on the public to assist the rescue teams who are on site with any donations.

Among the items needed at the site are:

  • Safety goggles
  • Headlamps
  • Drinking water
  • Energy drinks
  • Wine gums
  • Food

“Should any member of the public wish to provide any of the items, kindly deliver to the tent site via Ivy Street at 79 Victoria St, Delplan Consulting, which is being run by Gift of the Givers and Herman Pienaar of LoveGeorge, which will remain operational throughout the night,” said the George municipality on Tuesday.

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For enquiries on how to donate, please contact: Gift of the Givers: Mario Ferreira (082 490 2752) and Herman Pienaar (082 829 6428)

Residents can also deliver safety equipment including helmets, safety goggles, headlamps and construction gloves to the GRDM Fire Station, Pearl Road, Tamsui Industria.

The George municipality has urged those who wish to make financial donations to use the following banking details:

George Municipality: Relief and Charitable Fund
ABSA BANK Cheque Acc: 9149554208

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