MEDIA STATEMENT: 18:00 Update on Building Collapse Site in George, Western Cape – South Africa

Issued by the Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 16 May 2024 at 18:00

Rescue and recovery efforts are still underway on day ten (10) following the building collapse at 75 Victoria Street. Rescue workers and other role-players have been on site of the collapsed building for 244 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

FAMILIES LINKED TO SURVIVORS AND DECEASED

So far, 47 victims have been linked to their families.

HANDOVER OF SITE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

The Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality are finalising preparations for the Department of Labour and Employment to take over the building collapse site to continue their formal investigation.

RESPECTING PATIENT PRIVACY IN MEDICAL FACILITIES

Members of the media and public are kindly requested to respect the privacy of the patients who are still hospitalised and receiving treatment at medical facilities. Their dignity while they recover, should be observed, protected and respected.

REFRAIN FROM SPECULATION

The public is advised that official investigations into the incident are being undertaken by SAPS, Department of Labour, Department of Infrastructure as well as an independent structural engineering firm appointed by the Western Cape Government. Speculation and possible causes by unofficial “experts” could impact negatively on the official investigation. The public is requested to refrain from spreading malicious rumours and/or fake news.

RESCUE WORKERS ON SITE

The highest number of role players on-site in a single day was 682. As of now, nearly 150 rescue workers and support staff remain committed on-site to the rescue and recovery operations.

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.

POST-INCIDENT SUPPORT

The Western Cape Department of Social Development has indicated that a comprehensive range of services will continue to be made available to the affected families for a minimum of 6 months. Psychosocial support for all rescue and non-rescue personnel will be addressed.

The next update will be issued at 21:00, 16 May 2024.

Photograph: Garden Route District Municipality

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