MEDIA STATEMENT: 21:00 Update on Building Collapse Site in George, Western Cape – South Africa
Issued by the Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 14 May 2024 at 21:00
Rescue and recovery efforts continue into day eight (8) following the incident at 75 Victoria Street. Rescue workers and other roleplayers have been on site of the collapsed building for 199 hours.
The confirmed statistics for the incident are:
* Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81
* Rescued and recovered: 62
* Of which deceased: 33 (27 males, 6 females)
* Currently hospitalised: 12
* Unaccounted for: 19
The formal identification process has been completed by the Victim Identification Centre and Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) as follows:
Identification: 18 (14 males, 4 females)
Nationality breakdown:
South Africa: 7
Zimbabwe: 3
Lesotho: 1
Malawi: 5
Mozambique: 2
IDENTIFICATION PROCESS
The identification of descendants is the responsibility of the South African Police Service (SAPS). The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness FPS manages the visual identification in support of SAPS. After an incident such as this, visual identification can understandably be difficult and traumatic for family members and requires SAPS to undertake identification through scientific means, of which DNA testing is one method. We urge the media and public to please respect the families of the deceased while we facilitate the identification process with SAPS.
STRICT VERIFICATION IN PLACE
The Garden Route District Joint 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.
MINISTERIAL AND OTHER VISITS
The National Minister of Employment and Labour, Hon. Thulas Nxesi, will be visiting the area on Thursday, 16 May 2024.
NO MORE FOOD DONATIONS NEEDED FOR FAMILIES
The George Municipality expresses profound gratitude for the overwhelming support shown through food donations for the families impacted by the recent building collapse. Acknowledging the generosity of the community, the Municipality announces that the donations received exceed the immediate needs of the affected families. Consequently, no further food donations are necessary until further notice at the George Civic Centre. However, for those still willing to contribute, donations may be redirected to AFM (AGS) Soteria Church at 27 Victoria Street.
The Municipality extends its sincere appreciation to all individuals and organisations for their remarkable outpouring of goodwill during this difficult period.
SPECIAL REQUESTS FROM FAMILY
A request for a Cultural prayer by a family member of one of the deceased was made and permission has been granted for, tomorrow, 15 May 2024 at 07:15 am.
The next update will be issued tomorrow morning at 06:00 am, 15 May 2024.
Photograph: Garden Route District Munici