A week after a tragic building collapse in South Africa, rescue teams continue their tireless search for survivors trapped beneath the rubble. The collapse of an apartment building under construction has claimed the lives of 24 construction workers, while 28 remain missing. However, a glimmer of hope emerged over the weekend when a construction worker was miraculously found alive after six days without food or water.
Rescue Operation Continues in South Africa After Building Collapse
On May 13, rescue teams in South Africa continued their relentless efforts to find survivors trapped under the rubble of a collapsed apartment building. A week after the tragedy, authorities confirmed the deaths of 24 construction workers, while the number of missing individuals rose to 28. However, the discovery of a construction worker alive after six days without sustenance boosted the hopes of rescuers.
The collapsed building, a five-story apartment complex under construction in the city of George on South Africa's south coast, gave way on May 8. At the time of the incident, 81 workers were present on site. Of those, 29 managed to escape alive, while 13 remain hospitalized in critical condition.
The rescue operation, involving over 600 emergency services personnel, has been hampered by the massive amount of concrete that needs to be moved. Cranes and other heavy machinery are being utilized to clear the debris, while sniffer dogs assist in locating potential survivors.
The survivor found on Saturday, identified as 32-year-old Gabriel Guambe, was trapped for 118 hours and sustained only minor injuries. His remarkable survival has fueled the hope that others may still be alive within the voids created by the collapse.
Multiple investigations are underway to determine the cause of the tragedy. The construction company responsible is being scrutinized for adherence to safety protocols. The police have declared the site a crime scene, and translators are assisting in communicating with foreign nationals among the victims.
As a mark of respect for the victims, flowers have been placed around the perimeter of the site. The city and the disaster response team have called for a moment of silence at 2.09 p.m. on Monday, the exact time of the collapse.
The ongoing rescue efforts are a testament to the unwavering determination of the rescue teams and the hope that more survivors may yet be found amidst the devastation.
