In a devastating incident on Monday, the construction industry was shaken as a two-storey building at Amethyst Business Park in Ormonde, south of Johannesburg, collapsed, claiming the lives of six individuals.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, highlighting critical issues surrounding construction safety in South Africa. Three others sustained serious injuries; one was rushed to the hospital, while two individuals remain trapped beneath the rubble.
Additionally, three people are unaccounted for, and it is unclear whether they were inside the building at the time of the collapse.
The scene, described by witnesses as chaotic, has drawn attention to the critical issues surrounding construction safety in South Africa.
Three others sustained serious injuries, with one rushed to the hospital while two remain trapped beneath the rubble. A further three people are unaccounted for, although it remains unclear whether they were inside the building at the time of the collapse.
Emergency management teams responded swiftly after the concrete slab dividing the structure into two storeys caved in, causing significant structural failure.
Rhulani Mgwambane, spokesperson for The MMC Public Safety, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, said rescue operations were ongoing.
“One person has been rushed to the hospital, and the two individuals remain trapped, with rescue teams working urgently to extricate them.”
Mgwambane revealed that there is a possibility of amputation in at least one case due to the slab resting on a limb of one patient.
He confirmed that six people were declared dead at the scene and that three individuals remain missing, with search and rescue teams working around the clock to locate them.
At this stage, the cause of the structure’s failure remains unclear. Authorities say a full investigation will begin once all victims have been accounted for.
Mgwambane stated that their immediate focus was to rescue the two trapped survivors and locate the missing persons.
He thanked the rapid and coordinated response from both public and private emergency services, including paramedics, firefighters, and search and rescue teams.
“Their dedication and professionalism in the face of this crisis are exemplary. Our teams will continue working around the clock to ensure everyone is located and that the site is secured,” he added.
Meanwhile, MMC for Public Safety Dr Mgcini Tshwaku expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy, extending his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this devastating incident."
Johannesburg emergency teams have urged members of the public to avoid the area to allow rescue operations to proceed unimpeded.
This is a developing story.
The Star
masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za
