By Trend News Line 2024-05-13 11:20:52.
Survivor Found After Six Days
The hopes of rescue workers and families were lifted when a construction worker was discovered alive after being trapped in the rubble for six days without food or water. The man, identified as 32-year-old Gabriel Guambe, was miraculously in stable condition and sustained only minor injuries. His survival gave rescuers renewed optimism that there may be more survivors waiting to be rescued from the collapsed building.
Tragic Death Toll Rises
Authorities confirmed that 24 construction workers lost their lives in the collapse of the five-storey building in George, South Africa. An additional 28 workers remain missing, raising concerns that the final death toll could exceed 50. The city of George reported that out of the 81 workers present at the site during the disaster, only 29 have been rescued alive.
Intensive Search and Rescue Efforts
Over 600 emergency services personnel and volunteers have been tirelessly working to search for survivors in the wreckage of the collapsed building. Despite the challenging conditions, 29 workers have been pulled out alive, with 13 of them still receiving medical treatment in hospital. The disaster management team leading the operation emphasized that the focus remains on rescue rather than recovery, as demonstrated by the recent survival of Gabriel Guambe.
International Workers Await Rescue
Many of the construction workers involved in the incident were foreign nationals from Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. Authorities have called for translators to aid in communication with survivors and facilitate the identification of victims. The multinational composition of the workforce has added complexity to the rescue and recovery efforts.
Investigations Underway
Multiple investigations have been launched to determine the cause of the building collapse, including inquiries by the police who have declared the site a crime scene. The construction company responsible for the project is also under scrutiny to ensure that proper safety protocols were followed. The focus is not only on rescuing survivors but also on understanding what led to this tragic event.
Community Support and Remembrance
In a show of solidarity and respect for the victims, people have started leaving flowers around the perimeter of the collapsed building site. The city of George and the disaster response team have jointly called for a moment of silence at 2:09 pm local time on Monday, marking the exact time of the building collapse. The community is coming together to honour those who lost their lives and support those still awaiting rescue.
As the search and rescue operation continues in George, South Africa, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for more miraculous stories of survival amidst the tragedy. The resilience and determination of rescue workers and volunteers serve as a beacon of hope in the face of adversity..
– South Africa building collapse survivor
– Rescue effort survivor South Africa building collapse.