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MEDIA STATEMENT: 15:00 Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George

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

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

MEDIA STATEMENT: 9am Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George

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

MEDIA STATEMENT: 6am Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George

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

MEDIA STATEMENT: 9pm Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George, 10 May 2024, @ 21:00

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

MEDIA STATEMENT: 6pm Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George, 10 May 2024, @ 19:30

Rescue operations continue at the collapsed building located at 75 Victoria Street with the multi-agency command using demolition equipment that allowed for the meticulous recovery of 40 of the 81 trapped workers.

The rescue operations has reached 101 hours as of 7:30 pm, 10 May 2024.

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

Disaster management would also like to advise that currently there are enough volunteers on-site with names captured on a waiting list. The volunteer and donation response from the George community has been overwhelming and is commended and appreciated. We ask that the public please does not respond to any requests for volunteers on social media unless such notice is formally issued by the GRDM JOC and/or George Municipality,.

The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has declared the incident site at Victoria Street a No-Fly Zone. This restriction will be strictly enforced, and any individuals found violating it will be subject to criminal prosecution.

An update will be issued by 9pm 10 May 2024, – South African Time.

Photo by Herman Pieters: Garden Route Municipality

Media Release: Premier provides update on emergency and disaster management operation at site of collapsed building in George

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE OFFICE OF THE WESTERN CAPE PREMIER
10 May 2024

Premier Alan Winde provided an update today, 10 May, on the ongoing multi-agency operation at the site of the collapsed building in George.

Early this morning, Premier Winde again assessed the site and was given a briefing by relevant authorities on the progress made so far.

Premier Winde attended a regular Joint Operational Centre meeting, where multiple stakeholders, including several Western Cape Government (WCG) ministers, municipal representatives and emergency and disaster management authorities, fed in input to ensure the overall response remains fully coordinated throughout.
The Premier reiterated, “This is an incredibly complex and delicate operation. Despite this, our highly experienced emergency and disaster management crews have been working flat-out to find the workers who are still trapped. If need be, we will further intensify our efforts.

Since the incident, nearly 700 emergency and disaster management officials and volunteers have been working tirelessly on the site. “You are true heroes and we are immensely grateful for all you are doing in this very difficult time,” reiterated the Premier. He added, “That is what I admire the most about our Western Cape residents; when incidents of this nature occur, everyone comes together and steps up. You are all extraordinary.”

Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning stated, “We are currently using large construction machines to remove as rubble as fast as we can. We are working towards hard-to-reach locations and this takes time. Teams are working very carefully and methodically. I must stress this is a search and rescue operation with a recovery component.”

The Head of the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC), Colin Deiner emphasised the operation remains in the search and rescue phase, with heavy machinery brought in to excavate the site.
It was emphasised that the operation will carry on in a coordinated manner for as long as it takes until every single person is accounted for. “All role players are working together in a professional manner, with the victims and their

families the top priority of our efforts,” the Premier continued.
Premier Winde concluded that the multiple investigations undertaken by various agencies will be thorough.

MEDIA STATEMENT: 3pm Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George, 10 May 2024, @ 15:00

Day four of the rescue response to the collapsed building located at 75 Victoria Street has the multi-agency command using demolition equipment to lift the concrete slabs currently obstructing access to the lower floors of the building site. The meticulous and skilled rescue response to date, which has allowed for the recovery of 40 persons of the 81 trapped workers has had to proceed carefully to avoid further collapse and injury.

The stability of the site is a threat to the safety of emergency personnel who have focused their efforts for the past 96 hours on rescue of as many trapped patients as is possible. The decision to switch to using heavy duty demolition equipment is not taken lightly. The demolition company has created a safe path to drive on over the site, filling in voids that have been thoroughly checked for any entrapped victims. Rescue techniques continue to be applied meticulously and sensitively at each phase.

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

Disaster management would also like to advise that currently there are enough volunteers on-site with names captured on a waiting list. The volunteer and donation response from the George community has been overwhelming and is commended and appreciated. We ask that the public please does not respond to any requests for volunteers on social media unless such notice is formally issued by the GRDM JOC and/or George Municipality,.

The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has declared the incident site at Victoria Street a No-Fly Zone. This restriction will be strictly enforced, and any individuals found violating it will be subject to criminal prosecution.

An update will be issued by 6pm on Friday 10 May 2024, – South African Time.
Photo by Herman Pieters, Garden Route Municipality

MEDIA REPORT: George Municipal Report Erf 15098, 10 May 2024

Rezoning application

On 3 September 2020, a pre-application form for the proposed development of Erf 15098, George was submitted to the George Municipality’s Town Planning Department by Jan Vrolijk Town Planner, acting on behalf of the owners of said property. Based on the outcome of the pre-application assessment, the development proposal was revised, and a new pre-application form was submitted on 23 November 2020.

In the pre-application document, the applicant expressed their intention to developing a 5-storey block of flats with a rooftop deck. The addition of the deck would result in the permitted 15m building height being exceeded by 2.17m. The parking ratio, building lines, coverage and floor factor had to be relaxed to accommodate the proposed development. At this stage as well as throughout the land use application process, the Municipality only looks at the development concept (the preliminary architect’s drawings) to get an overall idea of what the development may look like and the impact it may have the neighbourhood, the surrounding property owners, traffic movement, pedestrian safety, engineering services, and so on. The final detailed design is only addressed on the submission of building plans.

Jan Vrolijk Town Planner submitted the application in terms of Section 15(2) of the George Municipality’s Land Use Planning By-law (2015) for the Rezoning of Erf 15098, George from Business Zone IV (offices) to General Residential Zone IV (flats) as well as for certain Departures on 15 March 2021.

The public participation process was as followed in terms of the requirements of the bylaw and the closing date for comment was 21 May 2021. No comments or objections were received.

After assessment of the application, the Senior Town Planner recommended the application for approval on the following grounds:
1. The subject properties are located within walking distance from public transport facilities (“bus stops”) and supports the efficiency of public transport systems and transport orientated developments;
2. The development will provide for much needed housing opportunities within close proximity of work opportunities and social and economic amenities.
3. The proposed development supports densification in strategic areas, and optimizes the utilization of the existing resources and underutilized land within the CBD area;
4. The proposed development, in consideration of the need for densification in the CBD area, will not have an adverse impact on the adjacent neighbours’ amenity and right to privacy, views and sunlight.
5. The development can thus be deemed to be compatible with the spatial planning policies and guidelines for the area.

The recommendation was accepted, and that application was approved by the Acting Deputy Director: Planning, Mr Clinton Petersen, on 27 September 2021 in terms of the approved delegations and categorisation of applications, applicable at the time of approval.

The approval letter was issued on 01 October 2021. The Municipality notified the public of the decision on its website, advising parties of their right to appeal. The notice is placed on the website for the duration of the appeal period, which in this instance ended on 22 October 2021. No appeals were received and a letter informing the applicant of this was issued on 25 October 2021.

One of the conditions of approval for the implementation of the above approval, required the owner to apply for the approval of a site development plan. The SDP is not the detailed building plan, but rather intends to confirm that the building to be erected complies with the zoning scheme and conditions imposed with the above-mentioned approval.

The application for Permission in terms of Section 15(2) of the Land Use Planning By-law (2015) to approve the site development plan was submitted by Deon v/d Westhuizen Architects on behalf of the owners on 21 April 2022. The senior town planner found the proposal to comply with all legal requirements as stated in Section 65(2) of said By-law and the site development plan was accordingly approved by the Acting Deputy Director: Planning – Mr Clinton Petersen on 25 May 2022.

The approval letter was issued on 27 May 2022 with the 21-day appeal period also being applied. No appeal was received and a letter informing the applicant in this regard was issued on 20 June 2022.

Building plan application
The building plan application for Erf 15098, George, was approved on 6 July 2023 and issued to the applicant, Deon van der Westhuizen Architects. The outcome for approval follows two prior outcomes not to approve the building plan based on details required regarding services and outstanding contributions. The plans were only approved once the Building Control Officer (BCO) was satisfied that the requirements were met.

The SANS Form 2 for appointment of the Structural Engineer, submitted to the Municipality, accompanied the application and indicated the category of registration of the engineer as Professional Engineer and included the registration number. This registration number does not refer to the competencies the professional must hold, or the work reserved for this level of registration. The engineer was therefor deemed competent. In the submitted form the competent person confirms that he does have professional indemnity.

On the Form 2, the engineer, Atholl Mitchell, declared that he has the necessary qualifications, experience, and contextual knowledge to undertake the work proposed. The form stipulates the description of all applicable work responsibilities and the owner signed acceptance of the appointment.

The Architectural Professional Council has developed an IDOW (Identification of Work) Matrix which determines the exact type of work that can be perform by a Registered Architectural Professional in the category of registration. This IDOW is a guide for the Municipality to determine the work that can be perform by a Professional in terms of his/her category of registration and based on the information provided by the applicant, the architect was also confirmed to be competent to undertake this design.

The value of the development was estimated at R39,544,000.00 at the time of approval. The development consisted of a basement parking area, ground floor parking and four floors of residential apartments above the parking. There are 42 apartments proposed and approved on the building plans. The area of the site is 1228 square meters, and the total area of the development is 4943 square meters with a coverage of 877.4 square meters (71.45%).

Compliance during construction
At the time of the incident, construction has progressed up to and included the concrete roof with various other disciplines busy with service installations. The municipality has no record of previous safety violations by the developer within the George municipal area.

The developer with his professional team is not obliged to submit any compliance report to the municipality. The normal practise is that the owner and developer, together with their professional team will have weekly/bi-weekly or monthly meetings and inspections where progress reports are submitted to the owner/client. This practice is done with no input from the Municipality and current the applicable legislation does not demand that this information is submitted to the Municipality.

MEDIA STATEMENT: Special update: – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George, 10 May 2024, 13:45

Please be advised of a further update as announced at the Premier’s media briefing at 13:00 today. Three (3) more bodies have been recovered today in addition to the 9 as announced in the previous statement.

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

Disaster management would also like to advise that currently there are enough volunteers on-site with names captured on a waiting list. The volunteer and donation response from the George community has been overwhelming and is commended and appreciated. We ask that the public please does not respond to any requests for volunteers on social media unless such notice is formally issued by the GRDM JOC and/or George Municipality,.

The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has declared the incident site at Victoria Street a No-Fly Zone. This restriction will be strictly enforced, and any individuals found violating it will be subject to criminal prosecution.

An update will be issued by 3pm on Friday 10 May 2024, – South African Time.

On-site Triage Description
Blue: Deceased
Red: Critical
Yellow: Serious
Green: Minor

MEDIA STATEMENT: 12pm Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George

Day four of the rescue response to the collapsed building located at 75 Victoria Street has the multi-agency command using demolition equipment to lift the concrete slabs currently obstructing access to the lower floors of the building site. The meticulous and skilled rescue response to date, which has allowed for the recovery of 37 persons of the 81 trapped workers has had to proceed carefully to avoid further collapse and injury.

The stability of the site is a threat to the safety of emergency personnel who have focused their efforts for the past 90 hours on rescue of as many trapped patients as is possible. The decision to switch to using heavy duty demolition equipment is not taken lightly. The demolition company has created a safe path to drive on over the site, filling in voids that have been thoroughly checked for any entrapped victims. Rescue techniques continue to be applied meticulously and sensitively at each phase.

Total estimated number on-site at the time of incident: 81
Patients retrieved: 37
Patients deceased: 9
Patients hospitalised: 33 with 13 still in hospital
Unaccounted: 44

Disaster management would also like to advise that currently there are enough volunteers on-site with names captured on a waiting list. The volunteer and donation response from the George community has been overwhelming and is commended and appreciated. We ask that the public please does not respond to any requests for volunteers on social media unless such notice is formally issued by the GRDM JOC and/or George Municipality,.

The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has declared the incident site at Victoria Street a No-Fly Zone. This restriction will be strictly enforced, and any individuals found violating it will be subject to criminal prosecution.

An update will be issued by 3pm on Friday 10 May 2024, – South African Time.

On-site Triage Description
Blue: Deceased
Red: Critical
Yellow: Serious
Green: Minor

MEDIA STATEMENT: 9:00 am Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George

Issued Garden Route District Joc/George Municipality, 10 May 2024, @ 9am

GRDM JOC confirms that following reports of a private drone flying over the rescue zone at Victoria Street yesterday May 9th, the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has declared the incident site at Victoria Street a No-Fly Zone. This restriction will be strictly enforced, and any individuals found violating it will be subject to criminal prosecution.

Total estimated number on-site at the time of incident: 81
Patients retrieved: 37
Patients blue: 9 (deceased)
Patients red status on recovery from site: 15 (critical)
Patients yellow status on recovery from site: 6 (life-threatening injuries)
Patients green status on recovery from site: 7 (minor injuries)
Unaccounted: 44

The rescue operation is approaching 91 hours, as at 10 May.
The rescue operation continues to be a multi-agency approach, involving local excavation contractors, the District Roads Engineer and a large-scale demolition company.

Rescue techniques will still be applied meticulously and sensitively by the highly skilled and experienced disaster management team.

An update will be issued by 12pm on Friday 10 May 2024, – South African Time.

On-site Triage Description
Blue: Deceased
Red: Critical
Yellow: Life-threatening injuries
Green: Minor injuries

Note: Medical Status of patients is not disclosed. The status given is as at recovery from the incident site.
*Note: Person declared deceased as at 10 May is a red patient who was retrieved, has been in hospital, and has now been declared deceased.

MEDIA STATEMENT: 6:00 am Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – Georg

Issued Garden Route District Joc/George Municipality, 10 May 2024, @ 6:23am

GRDM Joc confirms that a hospitalized *red patient has been declared deceased as at 10 May.

Total estimated number on-site at the time of incident: 81
Patients retrieved:                                                              37
Patients blue:                                                                      9 (deceased)
Patients red status on recovery from site:                         15 (critical)
Patients yellow status on recovery from site:                     6 (life-threatening injuries)
Patients green status on recovery from site:                      7 (minor injuries)
Unaccounted:                                                                      44

The rescue operation has reached 88 hours, as of 6:25 at 10 May.

Big earth-moving machinery has arrived last night which includes two five (5) ton excavators, three (3) 20-ton excavators with hammers and buckets, and a three (3) cube front-end loader, as well as trucks for extraction and clearing. The rescue operation continues to be a multi-agency approach, involving local excavation contractors and the District Roads Engineer.

Despite the introduction of large machinery, rescue techniques will still be applied meticulously and sensitively by the highly skilled and experienced disaster management team.

An update will be issued by 9 am on Friday 10 May 2024, – South African Time.

On-site Triage Description
Blue:      Deceased
Red:       Critical
Yellow:  Life-threatening injuries
Green: Minor injuries

Note: Medical Status of patients is not disclosed. The status given is as at recovery from the incident site.
*Note: Person declared deceased as at 10 May is a red patient who was retrieved has been in hospital, and has now been declared decesased.

 Photo by: Garden Route District Municipality, Herman Pieters

 

MEDIA STATEMENT: 6:00 pm Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George

Issued George Municipality, 9 May 2024, @ 7:50 pm

George Municipality confirms that figures remain unchanged at this point, 6:00 pm 9 May.

Big earth-moving machinery is expected to arrive this evening to assist in the rescue and clearing efforts. The machinery includes two five (5) ton excavators, three (3) 20-ton excavators with hammers and buckets, and a three (3) cube front-end loader, as well as trucks for extraction and clearing. The rescue operation continues to be a multi-agency approach, involving local excavation contractors and the District Roads Engineer.

Despite the introduction of large machinery, rescue techniques will still be applied meticulously and sensitively by the highly skilled and experienced disaster management team.

Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk expressed his appreciation for the exemplary work done by the multi-disciplinary emergency teams so far. He commended rescue workers and all involved stakeholders, organisations, the media, and the public stating that their efforts, along with the state-of-the-art equipment brought in, have resulted in a world-class rescue effort.

Total estimated number on-site at the time of incident: 81
Patients retrieved: 37
Patients blue: 8 (deceased)
Patients red status on recovery from site: 16 (critical)
Patients yellow status on recovery from site: 6 (life-threatening injuries)
Patients green status on recovery from site: 7 (minor injuries)
Unaccounted: 44

The rescue operation has reached 75 hours, as of 6:00 pm 9 May.

An update will be issued by 9 pm on Thursday, 9 May 2024, – South African Time.

On-site Triage Description
Blue: Deceased
Red: Critical
Yellow: Life-threatening injuries
Green: Minor injuries

Note: Medical Status of patients is not disclosed. The status given is as at recovery from the incident site.

Photo by: Garden Route District Municipality

MEDIA STATEMENT: 3 pm Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street, George, 9 May 2024

George Municipality confirms that figures remain unchanged at this point, 3:00 pm 9 May.

Total Number on-site at the time of incident: 81
Patients retrieved: 37
Patients blue: 8 (deceased)
Patients red status on recovery from site: 16 (critical)
Patients yellow status on recovery from site: 6 (life-threatening injuries)
Patients green status on recovery from site: 7 (minor injuries)
Unaccounted: 44

The rescue operation has reached 72 hours, as of 2:09 pm 9 May.

An update will be issued by 6 pm on Thursday, 9 May 2024, – South African Time.

On-site Triage Description
Blue: Deceased
Red: Critical
Yellow: Life-threatening injuries
Green: Minor injuries

Note: Medical Status of patients is not disclosed. The status given is as at recovery from the incident site.

Photo by: Herman Pieters, Garden Route District Municipality

Victoria Street Building Collapse – Municipal Relief and Charitable Fund

George Municipality would like to confirm that we have issued details of our Municipal Relief and Charitable Fund Bank account following requests from the public and organisations with regard to financial donations for the families affected by the incident on Monday 6th May when a building site collapsed. Currently 44 people remain unaccounted for and the rescue operation has reached over 71 hours.

We have been informed of other individuals and/or organisations issuing their bank account details for a similar purpose. We request that the public assure themselves of the accuracy of the bank details they wish to utlize.

George Municipality: Relief and Charitable Fund
ABSA BANK Cheque Acc: 9149554208
Branch Code: 632005

Your contributions and support during this challenging time are greatly appreciated.

MEDIA STATEMENT: 12pm Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George

Issued George Municipality, 9 May 2024, @ 12pm

GRDM JOC requests that members of the public avoid the surrounds of the incident site at Victoria Street due to the constant movement of heavy vehicles that are assisting with the removal of building rubble. A total of 3000 cubic tonnes of concrete must be removed from the site in the ongoing rescue response.

Total Number on site at time of incident: 81
Patients retrieved: 37
Patients blue: 8 (deceased)
Patients red status on recovery from site: 16 (critical)
Patients yellow status on recovery from site: 6 (life-threatening injuries)
Patients green status on recovery from site: 7 (minor injuries)
Unaccounted: 44

The rescue operation has reached 70 hours, as of 12pm 9 May.

An update will be issued by 3pm on Thursday, 9 May 2024, – South African Time.

On-site Triage Description
Blue: Deceased
Red: Critical
Yellow: Life-threatening injuries
Green: Minor injuries

Note: Medical Status of patients is not disclosed. The status given is as at recovery from the incident site.

MEDIA STATEMENT: 9am Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George

Issued George Municipality, 9 May 2024, @ 9am

Rescue operations continue at the Victoria Street Building Collapse and the emergency response team continues to utilize more substantive concrete breakers and additional trucks to remove building rubble from the site.

Total Number on site at time of incident:
81

Patients retrieved:
37

Patients blue:
8 (deceased)

Patients red status on recovery from site: 16 (critical)

Patients yellow status on recovery from site: 6 (life-threatening injuries)

Patients green status on recovery from site: 7 (minor injuries)

Unaccounted: 44

The rescue operation is approaching 67 hours, 9 May.

An update will be issued by 12pm on Thursday, 9 May 2024, – South African Time.

On site Triage Description
Blue: Deceased
Red: Critical
Yellow: Life-threatening injuries
Green: Minor injuries

Note: Medical Status of patients is not disclosed. The status given is as at recovery from the incident site.

MEDIA STATEMENT: 6am Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George

Issued George Municipality, 9 May 2024, @ 6:30am

The Garden Route District Joint Operational Centre established for the Victoria Street Building Site collapse has updated the figure for those present on site at the time of the incident on Monday 6 May. This follows intensive discussions and scrutinization of the safety records  with the responsible contractors. The contractor has now confirmed that the number of workers on site at the time of collapse was 81. (previously reports as 75).

Total Number on site at time of incident:               81
Patients retrieved:           37
Patients blue:                    8 (deceased)
Patients red:                      16 (critical)
Patients yellow:                6 (life-threatening injuries)
Patients green:                  7 (minor injuries)
Unaccounted:                    44

The rescue operation is at 64 hours as of 6:11 this morning, 9 May.

Rescue efforts have continued overnight. The emergency response team is implementing more substantive concrete breakers and additional trucks to remove building rubble from the site.

An update will be issued by 9 am on Thursday, 9 May 2024, – South African Time.

MEDIA STATEMENT: 9 pm Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George

Issued George Municipality, 8 May 2024, @9:00 pm

George Municipality confirms that as of 7:32 pm on Wednesday, 8 May the total number of deceased persons is eight (8). The rescue efforts are ongoing overnight, the emergency response team is implementing more substantive concrete breakers and additional trucks to remove building rubble from the site to free the remaining entrapped patients.

37 patients retrieved.
8 are blue (Deceased).
16 red patients (Critical).
6 yellow patients (Life-threatening injuries).
7 green (minor injuries).
A total of 38 of the initial 75 workers on site remain unaccounted for at present.

The rescue operation is approaching 55 hours as of 21:00 this evening, 8 May.

An update will be issued by 3 am on Thursday, 9 May 2024, – South African Time.

On-site Triage Description:
Blue: Deceased
Red: Critical
Yellow: Life-threatening injuries
Green: Minor injuries

Photos by: Herman Pieters, Garden Route District Municipality