More could still be stuck at collapsed building

According to Nana Radebe spokesperson of Emergency Services, more people could still be stuck under piles of heavy metal and rubble after the collapsing of the old Power Station building in Orlando East.

The building collapsed after suspected metal thieves were in the building attempting to steal cables and metal.

A bakkie and truck were found in the collapsed building and are suspected to be the transportation meant to transport the metal and cables.

“There could be more people stuck within the building than we had anticipated, we have search dogs in place searching,” she said.

Five men who were trapped in the rubble have been rescued and one was confirmed dead.

Maria Matsinhe the wife of one of the suspects said that she got a call from her husband telling her that he is in hospital.

He informed her that her brother and cousin were still stuck in the collapsed building.

They were later rescued.

“I had no idea that my husband, brother and cousin were involved in such activities. My husband told me he is going to work then I get a call that he is in hospital,” she said.

Prudance Nkomonde a resident, who lives in close proximity to the power station building, said that she thought it was an earth quake when the building collapsed.

“For years I have lived in this area and throughout the years this has been happening. People steal the cables and metals many succeed and others die attempting,” she said.

The power station building is part of the Orlando Ekhaya Development Project and is intended to be converted into a retail and entertainment centre.

Ward (30) councillor, Sechaba Khumalo said that it is hard to believe that with the security in place at the power station building criminals are still able to steal the cables and steels.

“It is so sad to see what has happened, there are so many plans for this building seeing that it has collapsed is truly disappointing,” said Khumalo.