Building Collapse in George, South Africa, Claims 24 Lives; Rescue Efforts Continue

GEORGE, SOUTH AFRICA — The death toll has risen to 24 following the collapse of a partially-constructed five-storey building last Monday in George, a southern coastal city in South Africa.

Local authorities report ongoing efforts to rescue and recover 28 individuals still trapped beneath the debris.

Among the trapped is 19-year-old Florence Kawunga, who was employed as a cleaner at the construction site. Her family shared their distress with the News24 website, highlighting the personal stories amidst the tragedy.

At the time of the collapse, 81 people were inside the building. To date, 29 survivors have been rescued, with 13 currently receiving medical treatment in hospital.

The cause of the building collapse is still under investigation, as authorities and experts work to understand the circumstances leading to this catastrophic event.

The rescue operations are extensive, involving 200 personnel equipped with sniffer dogs, heavy lifting machinery, and teams working meticulously to remove concrete blocks and debris by hand.

The community and families of those affected anxiously await further updates as rescuers push forward in their efforts to find survivors and provide closure to those impacted by this disaster.