MEDIA STATEMENT: 09:00 Update on Building Collapse Site in George, Western Cape – South Africa, 15 May 2024 at 09:00
Rescue and recovery efforts are nearing the end of day eight (8) following the incident at 75 Victoria Street. Rescue workers and other role-players have been on site of the collapsed building for 211 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
Up to now, 47 victims have been linked to their families.
IDENTIFICATION PROCESS
The identification of deceased is the joint responsibility of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness FPS (who also 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 tomorrow, 16 May 2024.
NO MORE FOOD DONATIONS NEEDED FOR FAMILIES
George Municipality confirms that the donations of fresh food received for the affected families who remain in the George Civic Centre are adequate. The families remain supported and provided with meals. However, for those still willing to contribute, donations may be redirected to AFM (AGS) Soteria Church at 27 Victoria Street in George.
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.
The next update will be issued at 12:00 midday, 15 May 2024.
Photograph: Garden Route District Municipality
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