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