Four dead, dozens trapped in South Africa building collapse

Rescuers in South Africa are searching for survivors after a five-storey apartment block under construction collapsed on Monday, killing five people and leaving at least 50 trapped.

Officials in the city of George, Western Cape province, say 26 people have been pulled from the wreckage and taken to hospital but there were dozens more workers were on the site when the building collapsed.

The cause is under investigation. Video footage taken nearby showed a huge cloud of dust as the building fell.

Emergency workers have been taking turns to work the small site, removing concrete blocks and debris by hand.

The site has been cordoned off from the public. But there are still many people standing around the perimeter in shock and disbelief.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said his thoughts were with the families of people who died in the incident and called for the investigation to “bring closure to the community and prevent a repeat of this disaster.”

ALSO READ: Rainstorm injures 3, damages 200 houses in Plateau

The city’s mayor Ald Van Wyk said his thoughts were also with the families “and all those affected who continue to wait for word of their loved ones”.

Heavy lifting equipment and sniffer dogs have been brought in to assist rescue efforts.

Overnight more than 100 rescuers with sniffer dogs worked to locate those trapped in the building. Heavy lifting equipment was used to assist the operation.

Officials said they had been able to establish contact with some of those under the rubble. There were thought to be at least 75 workers on the site when the collapse happened.