Breaking the news
The initial report stated that four people were killed in a building that collapsed in Alberton on Monday August 18; not long after five people were reported dead.
Search aborted
On Monday evening, Ekurhuleni Emergency Services spokesperson William Ntladi said they would abort the search for the evening, considering the bad light in the evening.
At the time, Ntladi announced that the death toll had gone up to nine; however, on Tuesday morning August 19 he said there were in fact seven people killed.
‘Illegal’ alterations
According to Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM), the building alterations were done illegally, and as a result lives were lost.
Inquiry launched into Meyersdal building
According to Eyewitness News (EWN), “The Labour Department has set up an inquiry into the collapse of a house at the Meyersdal Eco Estate after preliminary investigations found that the renovations there were illegal.”
President Zuma sends families condolences
On Wednesday evening August 20, President Jacob Zuma joined many others in extending condolences to the families and relatives of seven people who lost their lives when a house collapsed at the Meyersdal Eco Estate.
President Zuma appeals to building managers
The president appealed to builders and project managers across the country to apply necessary protection measures as well as comply with building and safety regulations to prevent such incidents in the future.
