Building Collapse in South Africa Leaves 3 Dead and Dozens Trapped

Published: 07 May 2024 at 03:41

News

A multi-storey building under construction collapsed in George, South Africa, killing three people and leaving 51 trapped. Two separate incidents occurred, with a total of 22 people rescued and two others dead. The cause of the collapses is under investigation, with emergency services working to rescue those still trapped. Sniffer dogs and heavy lifting equipment are aiding in the search for survivors, with over 100 emergency personnel on site and more assistance being brought in. The South African government at both the provincial and national levels is closely monitoring the situation.

DEEP DIVE

Building Under Construction Collapses in South Africa with Multiple Injuries

A building under construction in the South African coastal city of George collapsed, trapping at least 59 people under rubble. Ten individuals were rescued, with five sustaining serious injuries. The incident occurred about 400 kilometers east of Cape Town. The George Municipality's disaster management services, ambulances, and police are responding, and the Western Cape government is closely monitoring and providing resources for the emergency response.

Investigation into Johannesburg building fire that killed 76 blames city authorities for neglect

A report into the building fire in downtown Johannesburg, South Africa, that claimed the lives of 76 people has found that the City of Johannesburg, which owned the building, had been aware of serious safety issues at the rundown apartment block for at least four years before the tragic blaze occurred. Authorities were held responsible for showing 'total disregard' for the building's poor condition. The fire, one of the worst disasters in South Africa, resulted in 86 injuries and multiple deaths, including 12 children, with some resorting to desperate measures to escape the flames.

Severe Weather Battering South Africa's Western Cape Province

Heavy winds, storms, and strong rainfalls in South Africa's Western Cape Province have caused at least one fatality, closure of schools and highways, damage to houses and infrastructure, and wildfires in Cape Town. The severe weather also led to power outages in some parts of Cape Town. The South African Weather Services issued a high warning for the Western Cape, mentioning possible flooding in other areas like KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

Missing South African girl and the community's response in Saldanha Bay

Six-year-old Joshlin Smith went missing in February in Saldanha Bay, South Africa, sparking a huge search operation involving the navy and volunteers. Despite the tranquil reputation of Saldanha Bay, the town's spatial inequalities persist, with upscale housing by the coast and low-cost government-subsidised homes and informal settlements inland. Anxiety and suspicion prevail in areas like Diazville and Middelpos, affecting the community's sense of safety. Parents now take extra precautions when collecting children from school, reflecting heightened concern for child safety amidst the ongoing case.

Mass Funeral Held in Botswana for Victims of Bus Crash in South Africa

A mass funeral was held in Molepolole, Botswana, for the 44 Botswana nationals who died in a bus crash in South Africa during Easter weekend. The victims were en route to Moira City for Easter services when the bus crashed near Mokopane village. The only survivor was an eight-year-old child. South African and Botswana dignitaries attended the funeral, and the repatriation of the victims' remains to Botswana followed. The accident highlighted the dangers of South Africa's roads during Easter. The bus driver was buried separately in Thamaga village.

Two South African Soldiers Killed in Congo as Unrest Rises in the Region

Two South African soldiers were killed and three injured when a mortar landed in their base in eastern Congo amid increased unrest in the region. The South African National Defence Force is investigating the incident to determine who was responsible. South Africa has sent soldiers to Congo as part of the mission to fight against armed rebel groups. The recent advance of armed groups in the region poses an imminent threat to the aid system in eastern Congo.