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Update:

As rescue and recovery efforts enter the 136th hour of operation on day seven in Victoria Street, George Municipality confirms that another body was recovered at 2:30am.

The latest recovery brings the death toll to 15 and the number of unaccounted workers to 37.

The miracle survivor who pulled out of the rubble after spending 118 hours on his back and without food or water was identified as 32-year-old Gabriel Guambe.

Western Cape Health MEC Nomafrench Mabombo told News24 the search and rescue teams were overjoyed that they were able to rescue the tiler.

‘I was with him in the ambulance and he was talking all the way. His vitals, blood and sugar levels are still fine,’ said Mabombo. ‘It’s a miracle. Since [the incident on] Monday, he has no scratches.’

Guambe was transported to hospital despite there being no blood on him. The municipality confirmed last night that he was recovering well and will be reunited with his family by Monday, 13 May.

The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) on Friday declared the airspace above the site a no-fly-over zone after officials noticed private drones flying over the area. The airspace was cleared to allow only rescue drones.

In its latest update, George municipality urgently called for professional support practitioners for assistance.

‘We urgently call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chew, Portuguese and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families,’ said the municipality.

‘Interested practitioners can contact Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.’

The municipality added that National Minister of Police Bheki Cele is scheeduled to visit the site later this morning for an official briefing.

Meanwhile, the City of Cape Town’s rescue technicians returned home on Friday. MMC for Safety and Security JP Smith and company stood ready to welcome them home as they pulled into the fire station in Goodwood:

Picture: George Municipality / Facebook

After a painstaking 116-hour effort to clear the debris from the collapsed building in George, rescuers have uncovered a remarkable discovery: a man alive amidst the wreckage.

Also read: Day 6 update: Site declared a crime scene as fatalities rise to 13

Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, expressed the sentiments of many when he remarked, ‘Everybody has been yearning for a miracle. Well, a miracle has indeed transpired,’ in a video shared by Algoa FM News on X.

The identity of the individual found has not been disclosed, but he was located on what is believed to be the building’s third floor, following the removal of yet another layer of debris by the rescue teams.

Operations were halted immediately upon hearing sounds emanating from within the rubble, prompting rescuers to engage in dialogue with the individual trapped inside.

This survivor is revealed to be one of the tilers who had been working within the premises prior to its collapse.

He conveyed to the rescuers that he was feeling pressure on his legs, which raised concerns among the rescue team.

Two surgeons were present on the scene to ensure that they could promptly address any potential crush syndrome and related symptoms once the man was rescued.

An additional hole was drilled to insert a camera with a light, enabling rescuers to communicate with the man and provide him with water.

Although the survivor remains in contact with the rescue team, his current condition is unknown.

Extricating him is expected to take several more hours.

Confirmed statistics from the incident are as follows:

  • Total estimated individuals on-site: 81
  • Patients rescued: 42
  • Deceased: 13
  • Currently hospitalized: 13
  • Unaccounted for: 39

The Joint District Operations Centre meticulously verifies rescue and recovery numbers, collaborating closely with recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services to ensure accuracy.

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Picture: Jaco Marais / Gallo Images

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