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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

MEDIA STATEMENT: 6 pm, Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George, 8 May 2024, @19:00 pm

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

Issued George Municipality, 8 May 2024, @19:00 pm

George Municipality confirms that figures remain unchanged at this point, 6:00 pm 8 May. As the rescue effort is ongoing overnight, the emergency response team will now implement more substantive concrete breakers and additional trucks to remove building rubble from the site to free remaining entrapped patients.

36 patients retrieved.
7 are blue (Deceased).
16 are red patients (Critical).
6 are yellow patients (Life-threatening injuries).
7 are green (minor injuries).
A total of 39 of the initial 75 workers on site remain unaccounted for at present.

The rescue operation is approaching 53 hours as of 18:45 this evening, 8 May.

An update will be issued by 9 pm on Wednesday 8 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

MEDIA STATEMENT: 3 pm Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George,  8 May 2024

Dr Carla Hauman and Vilje Maritz, a Garden Route Volunteer

George Municipality confirms that figures remain unchanged at this point, 3:00 pm 8 May.

36 patients retrieved.
7 are blue (Deceased).
16 are red patients (Critical).
6 are yellow patients (Life-threatening injuries).
7 are green (minor injuries).
A total of 39 of the initial 75 workers on site remain unaccounted for at present.

Support to the rescue personnel

The rescue operation is approaching 49 hours as of 14:30 this afternoon, 8 May.

An update will be issued by 6 pm on Wednesday 8 May 2024, – South African Time.

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

Support for Emergency Personnel at Victoria Street Building Collapse Site

In light of the exhaustive rescue operations and the high physical stress endured by the multi-disciplinary emergency personnel working tirelessly at the Victoria Street Building collapse site, volunteers have stepped in to provide essential support.

Vitamin B complex for rescue workers

Recognising the critical need for sustaining these dedicated workers’ health and energy levels, volunteers are supplying vitamin B complex boosters. These supplements play a vital role in releasing energy through metabolism and supporting overall bodily functions under strenuous conditions.

The George Municipality thanks all volunteers and medical professionals for their invaluable assistance during this critical time.

 

PhotoS by: Herman Pieters, Garden Route District Municipality

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

George Municipality confirms that figures remain unchanged at this point, 12pm 8 May:

36 patients retrieved;

7 are blue (Deceased);

16 are red patients (Critical);

6 are yellow patients (Life-threatening injuries)

7 are green (minor injuries).

A total of 39 of the initial 75 workers on site remain unaccounted for at present.

A specialised asbestos removal company is currently tasked with deconstructing the old parking structure located at the back of the site. This structure is not a part of the new development that was under construction. This is to aid access for rescue operations which continue at the building collapse site on Victoria Street.

The rescue operation is now approaching  46 hours as of 12:00 this afternoon, 8 May.

An update will be issued by 3pm  on Wednesday 8 May 2024,  – South African Time.

On site Triage Description:

Blue:      Deceased

Red:       Critical

Yellow: Life-threatening injuries

Green: Minor injuries

Photograph Credit Herman Pieters, GRDM Communications

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

George Municipality confirms that thirty-six (36) patients have been retrieved from the collapsed building as at 09:00 Wednesday 8 May.

Of the 36 retrieved, 7 are blue (declared deceased), 16 are red patients (critical); 6 are yellow patients (Life-threatening injuries) and 7 are green (minor injuries).

A total of 39 of the initial 75 workers on site remain unaccounted for at present.

Rescue operations continue at the building collapse site on Victoria Street today with a multi-disciplinary rescue team of more than 200 emergency services available.

The rescue operation is now approaching 43 hours as of 09:00 this morning 8 May.

An update will be issued by 12pm on Wednesday 8 May 2024, – South African Time.

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

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

Issued George Municipality, 8 May 2024, 05:33

The tally of retrieMEDIA STATEMENT: 6am Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George
Issued George Municipality, 8 May 2024, 05:33

The tally of retrieved patients has risen to thirty-six (36) as at 5:33 this morning Wednesday 8 May.
This leaves 39 persons unaccounted for at present.

Rescue operations at the building collapse site on Victoria Street continue with a multi-disciplinary rescue team of more than 200 emergency services. Seven (7) patients have been declared deceased.

Seventy-five (75) construction workers were present on the site at the time of the collapse which occurred at 14:09 on Monday 6 May and the rescue operation is now approaching 39 hours as of 5:33 this morning 8 May.

An update will be issued by 9am on Wednesday 8 May 2024, – South African Time.
ved patients has risen to thirty-six (36) as at 5:33 this morning Wednesday 8 May.
This leaves 39 persons unaccounted for at present.

Rescue operations at the building collapse site on Victoria Street continue with a multi-disciplinary rescue team of more than 200 emergency services. Seven (7) patients have been declared deceased.

Seventy-five (75) construction workers were present on the site at the time of the collapse which occurred at 14:09 on Monday 6 May and the rescue operation is now approaching 39 hours as of 5:33 this morning 8 May.

An update will be issued by 9am on Wednesday 8 May 2024, – South African Time.

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

Issued George Municipality, 7 May 2024, 21:30

The tally of retrieved patients has risen to thirty-four (34) as at 21:09 this evening, 7 May.
This leaves 41 persons unaccounted for at present.

Rescue operations at the building collapse site continue with a multi-disciplinary rescue team of more than 200 emergency services. Seven (7) patients have been declared deceased.

Seventy-five (75) construction workers were present on the site at the time of the collapse which occurred at 14:09 on Monday 6 May and the rescue operation is now approaching 31 hours as of 21:09 today, 7 May.

An update will be issued by 6am on Wednesday 8 May 2024, – South African Time.

Photograph Credit: Herman Pieters, GRDM Communications

MEDIA STATEMENT: Update on Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George (7 May, 20:30)

A multi-disciplinary rescue team of more than 200 emergency services personnel are continuing to conduct rescue operations and as of 19:40 this evening, 7 May 2024, seven (7) patients have been declared deceased.

Thirty-three (33) patients have been removed from the rubble of the collapsed multi-story construction site at 75 Victoria Street, leaving 42 persons unaccounted for.

Seventy-five (75) construction workers were present on the site at the time of the collapse which occurred at 14:09 on Monday 6 May and the rescue operation is now approaching 30 hours as of 20:00 today, 7 May.

An update will be issued at 21:00, 7 May 2024 – South African Time.

Photograph Credit: Herman Pieters, GRDM Communications 

MEDIA STATEMENT: Update on Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George

Issued George Municipal, 7 May 2024, 15.00

The rescue operations continuing and as of 14:30 this afternoon, 7 May 2024 a total of six (6) patients have been declared deceased.

Twenty-eight (28) patients have been removed from the rubble of the collapsed multi-story construction site at 75 Victoria Street, leaving 47 persons unaccounted for.

Seventy-five (75) construction workers were present on the site at the time of the collapse which occurred at 14:09 on Monday 6 May and the rescue operation is now approaching 24.20 hours as of 14:25 today, 7 May.

An update will be issued at 18:00, 7 May 2024 – South African Time.

Note: Should any member of the public wish to provide safety goggles, Headlamps, drinking water, energy drinks, wine gums, or food for the emergency services while they are on-site – kindly deliver to the tent site via Ivy Street at 79 Victoria Street, Delplan Consulting which is being manned by Gift of the Givers and Herman Pienaar of LoveGeorge which will remain operational throughout the night.

For enquiries to give please contact: Gift of the Givers: Mario Ferreira (082 490 2752) and Herman Pienaar (082 829 6428)

Safety equipment including helmets, safety goggles, headlamps and construction gloves are needed. If anyone can assist, please deliver to GRDM Fire Station, Pearl Road, Tamsui Industria.

We have had requests from the public about financial donations. Please use below banking details:

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

MEDIA STATEMENT: Update on Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George, 7 May 2024, 15:00

The rescue operations continuing and as of 14:30 this afternoon, 7 May 2024 a total of six (6) patients have been declared deceased.

Twenty-eight (28) patients have been removed from the rubble of the collapsed multi-story construction site at 75 Victoria Street, leaving 47 persons unaccounted for.

Seventy-five (75) construction workers were present on the site at the time of the collapse which occurred at 14:09 on Monday 6 May and the rescue operation is now approaching 24.20 hours as of 14:25 today, 7 May.

An update will be issued at 18:00, 7 May 2024 – South African Time.

Note: Should any member of the public wish to provide safety goggles, Headlamps, drinking water, energy drinks, wine gums, or food for the emergency services while they are on-site – kindly deliver to the tent site via Ivy Street at 79 Victoria Street, Delplan Consulting which is being manned by Gift of the Givers and Herman Pienaar of LoveGeorge which will remain operational throughout the night.

For enquiries to give please contact: Gift of the Givers: Mario Ferreira (082 490 2752) and Herman Pienaar (082 829 6428)

Safety equipment including helmets, safety goggles, headlamps and construction gloves are needed. If anyone can assist, please deliver to GRDM Fire Station, Pearl Road, Tamsui Industria.

We have had requests from the public about financial donations. Please use below banking details:

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