Press Release Archive

Rescue and recovery efforts continue into a week to this day, after the incident took place at 75 Victoria Street where a partially-built building collapsed. Rescue workers and other role players have been on site for 166 hours.

MOMENT OF SILENCE

In solemn remembrance of the tragic building collapse on Victoria Street one week ago. The community and residents of George and South Africa will observe a minute of silence today at 14:09 to honour the lives lost and express our collective grief and support for the affected families.

The confirmed statistics for the incident are:

* Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81
* Rescued and recovered: 55
* Of which deceased: 26
* Currently hospitalised: 13
* Unaccounted for: 26

FAST-TRACKING OF PATHOLOGY SERVICES

The primary focus continues to be on rescue efforts. With this in mind, we are also proactively setting up plans to expedite the identification of the deceased. This is done by Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) and South African Police Service (SAPS). We, therefore, endeavour to fast-track the process to help bring closure to families.

IDENTIFICATION OF FAMILY MEMBERS

We are experiencing difficulties in obtaining accurate names of individuals missing or deceased due to the building collapse. We urgently request families who have lost contact with their loved ones to come to the George Civic Centre on York Street. This will enable the Department of Social Development to collect detailed and precise information, ensuring that all records are accurately documented.

STRICT VERIFICATION IN PLACE

The Joint District Operations Centre’s adherence to a stringent double verification protocol is crucial for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of reported numbers of the deceased, which is essential in emergency and disaster response scenarios. This verification process involves cross-referencing information from multiple reliable sources, such as recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.

HUMANITARIAN COMMISSION

The Humanitarian Commission is scheduled to meet with on-site teams today to ensure that the disaster response is conducted in a humane, coordinated manner while upholding legal and ethical standards.

PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT

There is still an urgent call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families. Several practitioners have already offered there services and more are welcomed to contact Ms. Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Mr. Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.

MINISTERIAL VISITS

The National Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Sihle Zikalala, and the National Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Alvin Botes, will be visiting the site today.

The next update will be issued by 15:00 today, 13 May 2024.

Rescue and recovery efforts continue into a week after the incident took place at 75 Victoria Street where a partially-built building collapsed. Rescue workers and other role players have been on site for 163 hours.

The confirmed statistics for the incident are:

* Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81
* Rescued and recovered: 53
* Of which deceased: 24
* Currently hospitalised: 13
* Unaccounted for: 28

FAST-TRACKING OF PATHOLOGY SERVICES

The primary focus continues to be on rescue efforts. With this in mind, we are also proactively setting up plans to expedite the identification of the deceased. This is done by Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) and South African Police Service (SAPS). We, therefore, endeavour to fast-track the process to help bring closure to families.

IDENTIFICATION OF FAMILY MEMBERS

We are experiencing difficulties in obtaining accurate names of individuals missing or deceased due to the building collapse. We urgently request families who have lost contact with their loved ones to come to the George Civic Centre on York Street. This will enable the Department of Social Development to collect detailed and precise information, ensuring that all records are accurately documented.

STRICT VERIFICATION IN PLACE

The Joint District Operations Centre’s adherence to a stringent double verification protocol is crucial for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of reported numbers of the deceased, which is essential in emergency and disaster response scenarios. This verification process involves cross-referencing information from multiple reliable sources, such as recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.

HUMANITARIAN COMMISSION

The Humanitarian Commission is scheduled to meet with on-site teams today to ensure that the disaster response is conducted in a humane, coordinated manner while upholding legal and ethical standards.

PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT

There is still an urgent call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families. Several practitioners have already offered there services and more are welcomed to contact Ms. Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Mr. Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.

The next update will be issued by 12:00 today, 13 May 2024.

Issued by the Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 13 May 2024, at 06:00

Rescue and recovery efforts continue into a week after the incident took place at 75 Victoria Street where a partially-built building collapsed. Rescue workers and other role players have been on site for 160 hours.

The confirmed statistics for the incident are:

* Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81
* Rescued and recovered: 50
* Of which deceased: 21
* Currently hospitalised: 15
* Unaccounted for: 31

PATHOLOGY SERVICES
The primary focus continues to be on rescue efforts. With this in mind, we are also proactively setting up plans to expedite the identification of the deceased. With the support of Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) and South African Police Service (SAPS). We endeavour to fast-track the process. This fast-tracking process, among other benefits, helps bring closure to families.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) teams at the site for keeping rescue workers safe. To date there have been no serious incidents involving rescue workers or volunteers. Each participating company is tasked with assigning OHS officers to ensure safety at the scene.

PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT
There is still an urgent call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families. Several practitioners have already offered there services and more are welcomed to contact Ms. Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Mr. Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.

MINISTERIAL VISITS
The National Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Sihle Zikalala, will be on site today at 12:30 and the National Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Alvin Botes, will be on site at 15:00.

The next update will be issued by 09:00 today, 13 May 2024.

Rescue and recovery efforts continue on day seven (7) at 75 Victoria Street where a partially-built building collapsed Monday, 6 May 2024 at 14:09. Rescue workers and other role players have been on site for 151 hours.

The confirmed statistics for the incident are:

– Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81
– Rescued and recovered: 49
– Of which deceased: 20
– Currently hospitalised: 14
– Unaccounted for: 32

The Joint District Operations Centre’s (JOC) adherence to a stringent double verification protocol is crucial for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of reported numbers. This verification process involves cross-referencing information from multiple reliable sources, such as recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services. This collaboration supports effective decision-making and resource allocation.

As mentioned before, the National Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Alvin Botes, along with National Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Sihle Zikalala, will be visiting the site tomorrow, 13 May 2024.

We urgently call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families. Interested practitioners can contact Ms. Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Mr. Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.

An update will be issued by 06:00 on Monday, 13 May 2024.

With 7 days into the rescue and recovery efforts at the site of the collapsed building at 75 Victoria Street, operations are still ongoing. As of 6pm on May 12, 2024, marking the 148th hour of operations, the confirmed statistics are as follows:

– Total estimated individuals on-site during the incident: 81
– Rescued and recovered: 49
– Of which deceased: 20
– Currently hospitalized: 14
– Unaccounted for: 32

The Joint District Operations Centre adheres to a stringent double verification protocol to ensure the accuracy of the reported numbers. This is done in close collaboration with recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.

The National Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Alvin Botes, along with Minister Sihle Zikalala, Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure, will be visiting the site on Monday, 13 May 2024.

We urgently call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families. Interested practitioners can contact Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.

An update will be issued by 9pm on Sunday, 12 May 2024. ‎

Photo Credit: Herman Pieters

Seven days into the rescue and recovery efforts at the site of the collapsed building at 75 Victoria Street operations are still ongoing. As of 3pm on May 12, 2024, marking the 145th hour of operations, the confirmed statistics are as follows:

– Total estimated individuals on-site during the incident: 81
– Rescued and recovered: 48
– Of which deceased: 19
– Currently hospitalized: 14
– Unaccounted for: 33

The Joint District Operations Centre adheres to a stringent double verification protocol to ensure the accuracy of the reported numbers. This is done in close collaboration with recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.
The National Minister of Police, Mr. Bheki Cele, was briefed by the Garden Route District Municipality and George Municipality Joint Operations Centre (JOC), followed by an official media briefing. Additionally, the Minister visited the families of the victims to check up on their wellbeing and express his continued support.
We urgently call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families. Interested practitioners can contact Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.

An update will be issued by 6pm on Sunday, 12 May 2024.

Issued by the Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 12 May 2024, 12pm

As we enter day 7 of the rescue and recovery efforts at the site of the collapsed building at 75 Victoria Street, operations are still continuing with new vigor after the successful rescue of Mr Guambe yesterday. As of 12pm on May 12, 2024, marking the 141th hour of operations, the confirmed statistics are as follows:

– Total individuals on-site during the incident: 81
– Rescued and recovered: 46
– Of which deceased: 17
– Currently hospitalized: 14
– Unaccounted for: 35

The Joint District Operations Centre adheres to a stringent double verification protocol to ensure the accuracy of the reported numbers. This is done in close collaboration with recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.

The National Minister of Police, Mr Bheki Cele, is currently visiting the site and will be briefing the media shortly.

We urgently call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families. Interested practitioners can contact Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.

An update will be issued by 3pm on Sunday, 12 May 2024.

Issued by the Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 12 May 2024, 09:00

We wish all mothers a Happy Mother’s Day, with a special tribute to the mothers at the site of the collapsed building who are tirelessly working on rescue and recovery efforts. Our thoughts are also with those mothers who are anxiously waiting for news about their loved ones, the mothers that are still trapped and those who have tragically lost their mothers. We salute everyone from the emergency services and firefighters to the women supporting the rescuers. Your strength and dedication are truly inspiring.

Rescue and recovery efforts continue into the sixth day at the site of the collapsed building at 75 Victoria Street. As of 09:00 on May 12, 2024, marking the 139th hour of operations, the confirmed statistics are as follows:

– Total individuals on-site during the incident: 81
– Rescued and recovered: 45
– Of which deceased: 16
– Currently hospitalized: 14
– Unaccounted for: 36

The Joint District Operations Centre adheres to a stringent double verification protocol to ensure the accuracy of the reported numbers. This is done in close collaboration with recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.

The National Minister of Police, Mr Bheki Cele, is scheduled to visit the site later today for an official briefing.

We urgently call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families. Interested practitioners can contact Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.

An update will be issued by 12pm on Sunday, 12 May 2024.

Issued by the Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 12 May 2024, 06:00

Rescue and recovery efforts continue into the sixth day at the site of the collapsed building at 75 Victoria Street. This morning at 02:30 another body was recovered, bringing the total number of deceased to 15. As of 06:00 on May 12, 2024, marking the 135th hour of operations, the confirmed statistics are as follows:

– Total individuals on-site during the incident: 81
– Rescued and recovered: 44
– of which 15 deceased
– Currently hospitalized: 14
– Unaccounted for: 37

The Joint District Operations Centre adheres to a stringent double verification protocol to ensure the accuracy of the reported numbers. This is done in close collaboration with recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.

The National Minister of Police, Mr Bheki Cele, is scheduled to visit the site later this morning for an official briefing.

We urgently call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families. Interested practitioners can contact Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.

An update will be issued by 9 AM on Sunday, 12 May 2024.

Issued by the Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 11 May 2024, 21:00

With the rescue workers continuing with rescue and recovery efforts, an update of confirmed statistics as operations enters the 127th hour at 21:00 on 11 May 2024 as follow:

Confirmed Statistics:
– Total individuals on-site during the incident: 81
– Rescued: 43
– Deceased: 14
– Currently hospitalized: 14
– Unaccounted for: 38

The Joint District Operations Centre follows a stringent double verification protocol to ensure the accuracy of reported numbers, working in close collaboration with recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.

We are pleased to announce that Mr Guambe is recovering well and will be reunited with his family by Monday, 13 May 2024.

In our ongoing efforts to assist survivors and their families, we urgently call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages. Interested practitioners can contact Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.

An update will be issued by 6am on Sunday 12 May 2023.

MEDIA STATEMENT: Special Update on Building Collapse Site
Issued by the Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 11 May 2024, 18:00

As rescue operations enters the 124th hour at 18:00 on 11 May 2024, rescue efforts intensifies with renewed vigor at the collapsed building site, 75 Victoria Street. This is attributed to the successful rescue of Mr Gabriel Guambe earlier today.

Mr. Guambe is currently hospitalised in a stable condition and has been in communication with his family.

Confirmed Statistics:
– Total individuals on-site during the incident: 81
– Rescued: 42
– Deceased: 13
– Currently hospitalized: 14
– Unaccounted for: 39

The Joint District Operations Centre follows a stringent double verification protocol to ensure the accuracy of reported numbers, working in close collaboration with recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.

In our ongoing efforts to assist survivors and their families, we urgently call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages. Interested practitioners can contact Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.

A media briefing with two of the rescue personnel who located Mr. Guambe will be held at 18:30. Further updates will be provided by 21:00 on 11 May 2024, South African Time.
Photograph: Herman Pieters, Garden Route Municipality

MEDIA STATEMENT: 15:00 Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George
Issued Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 11 May 2024, @ 3pm

We are halfway through day five of rescue operations at the collapsed building site on 75 Victoria Street and grateful to have extricated another survivor. This is a result of the decision taken by the multi-agency command to continue employing a systematic rescue and recovery approach. The operation has spanned 121 hours as at 15:00 11 May 2024.

This rescue brings new hope and teams have found new energy to continue with rescue and recovery operations. The survivor was extricated cautiously and transported to the hospital after being stabilized by the onsite medical team.

Confirmed statistics:
– Total estimated individuals on-site during the incident: 81
– Patients rescued: 42
– Patients deceased: 13
– Patients currently hospitalized: 14
– Unaccounted for: 39

The Joint District Operations Centre adheres to a rigorous double verification protocol in reporting rescue and recovery numbers, collaborating closely with recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.

In our ongoing efforts to support survivors and families, we issue a call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages. Practitioners can reach out to Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.

Donations
There is currently a need for following safety equipment:
helmets,
safety goggles,
headlamps, and
construction gloves.
These items can be delivered to GRDM Fire Station, Pearl Road, Tamsui Industria.

We thank Love George, Gift of the Givers and George Alert Team for coordinating the donations with the support of Lions Club, Rotary, a number of small and big businesses, neighbourhood watches, faithbased organisations and members of the general public.

Further updates will be provided by 18:00 pm, 11 May 2024, South African Time.

Photo Credit: Herman Pieters, Garden Route Municipality

MEDIA STATEMENT: 12pm Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George
Issued Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 11 May 2024, @ 12pm

Update:

Day five of rescue operations at the collapsed building site on 75 Victoria Street is underway. The multi-agency command persists in employing a systematic rescue and recovery approach, meticulously clearing rubble to uncover potential voids (open spaces) where individuals may be trapped. At 12pm, 11 May 2024, the operation has spanned 118 hours.
Rescue teams have found an individual alive and are in communication with him. They were able to provide him with water. It might still take several hours to extricate him, Medical teams are on site and ready to assist throughout.

Confirmed statistics:
– Total estimated individuals on-site during the incident: 81
– Patients rescued: 42
– Patients deceased: 13
– Patients currently hospitalized: 13
– Unaccounted for: 39
The Joint District Operations Centre adheres to a rigorous double verification protocol in reporting rescue and recovery numbers, collaborating closely with recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.

In our ongoing efforts to support survivors and families, we issue a call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages. Practitioners can reach out to Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.

Donations
There is currently a need for following safety equipment:
helmets,
safety goggles,
headlamps, and
construction gloves.
These items can be delivered to GRDM Fire Station, Pearl Road, Tamsui Industria.

We thank Love George, Gift of the Givers and George Alert Team for coordinating the donations with the support of Lions Club, Rotary, a number of small and big businesses, neighbourhood watches, faithbased organisations and members of the general public.

Further updates will be provided by 12:00 pm, 11 May 2024, South African Time.

Photo Credit: Herman Pieters, Garden Route Municipality

Issued Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 11 May 2024, @ 09:00

Update: Day five of rescue operations at the collapsed building site on 75 Victoria Street is underway. The multi-agency command persists in employing a systematic rescue and recovery approach, meticulously clearing rubble to uncover potential voids (open spaces) where individuals may be trapped. At 09:00 am, 11 May 2024, the operation has spanned 115 hours.

Confirmed statistics:
– Total estimated individuals on-site during the incident: 81
– Patients rescued: 41
– Patients deceased: 13
– Patients currently hospitalized: 13
– Unaccounted for: 40

The Joint District Operations Center adheres to a rigorous double verification protocol in reporting rescue and recovery numbers, collaborating closely with recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.

In our ongoing efforts to support survivors and families, we issue a call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages. Practitioners can reach out to Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.

Further updates will be provided by 12:00 pm, 11 May 2024, South African Time.

Photo Credit: Herman Pieters, Garden Route Municipality

Issued Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 11 May 2024, @ 06:00

Rescue operations continue for day five at the collapsed building site located at 75 Victoria Street with the multi-agency command using demolition equipment. Another body was recovered this morning at 02:36am in addition to the 12 as announced in the previous statement.

The rescue operations has reached 111 hours as of 6:00am, 11 May 2024.

Confirmed statistics:
Total estimated number on-site at the time of incident: 81
Patients retrieved: 41
Patients deceased: 13
Patients hospitalised: 13 still in hospital
Unaccounted: 40

An update will be issued by 9:00 11 May 2024, – South African Time.

Photo by Herman Pieters: Garden Route Municipality

George Municipality confirms that figures remain unchanged at this point, 9:00 pm 10 May.

Confirmed statistics:
Total estimated number on-site at the time of incident: 81
Patients retrieved: 40
Patients deceased: 12
Patients hospitalised: 33 with 13 still in hospital
Unaccounted: 41

An update will be issued by 06:00am on 11 May 2024, – South African Time.

Photo by Herman Pieters: Garden Route Municipality