The bodies of 33 people have been recovered from the site as rescue and recovery efforts continue days after the collapse of a building under construction in George.
Also read: Rescuers call on public to help identify bodies following building collapse
To date, rescue workers and other roleplayers have been on site of the collapsed building for 208 hours.
The confirmed statistics for the incident are:
- Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81
- Rescued and recovered: 62
- Of which deceased: 33 (27 males, 6 females)
- Currently hospitalised: 12
- Unaccounted for: 19
The formal identification process has been completed by the Victim Identification Centre and Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) as follows:
Identification: 18 (14 males, 4 females)
Nationality breakdown:
- South Africa: 7
- Zimbabwe: 3
- Lesotho: 1
- Malawi: 5
- Mozambique: 2
According to the George Municipality, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is in charge of identifying the victims. They are supported by the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness FPS, which manages visual identification.
‘After an incident such as this, visual identification can understandably be difficult and traumatic for family members and requires SAPS to undertake identification through scientific means, of which DNA testing is one method,’ the municipality said on Facebook.
The municipality also noted that food donations to the George Civic Centre are no longer needed until further notice. ‘Acknowledging the generosity of the community, the municipality announces that the donations received exceed the immediate needs of the affected families.’
‘However, for those still willing to contribute, donations may be redirected to AFM (AGS) Soteria Church at 27 Victoria Street.’
The national minister of employment and labour, Thulas Nxesi, will visit the site on Thursday, 16 May.
Also read:
Bheki Cele expresses concerns over building collapse tragedy
Picture: George Municipality / Facebook
