In South Africa, a building collapses, trapping over fifty people and leaving four dead

Four people are dead and more than fifty are missing when a building collapsed in George, South Africa. This has led to a massive rescue effort.

Following the collapse of a five-story building under construction in the Western Cape province’s George city, rescue operations are under way in South Africa. Four people have lost their lives in the event, while over fifty people are still trapped beneath the debris.

24 people have reportedly been pulled from the wreckage and taken to a hospital for treatment, according to officials. Seventy-five members of the construction crew were reportedly present on the site when the fall happened around 14:09 local time.

“Our thoughts are with the families and all those affected who continue to wait for word of their loved ones,” Mayor Ald Van Wyk of George stated.

The seaside city, some 450 kilometers east of Cape Town, saw a collapse. The reason for the disaster is still being looked into. Search and rescue efforts were launched as soon as emergency services arrived on the area.

Rescuers have made contact with some of the people buried beneath the debris in spite of the difficult conditions. With the use of heavy lifting equipment and sniffing dogs, more than 100 rescuers have been working nonstop to find and free survivors from the collapsed building.

Images of the leveled construction site have surfaced, illustrating the extent of the destruction brought forth by the collapse. Witnesses recounted the terrifying scene, and a local councillor expressed shock and sorrow at what had happened.

Authorities are now focusing on supporting the families touched by this tragedy as the rescue mission goes on, and they are still working to safely recover anyone who may be trapped beneath the debris.