Mapaballo Borotho
- Four people have died after a four-storey building collapsed in Redcliffe, north of Durban, with fears that more victims may still be trapped.
- Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson has offered condolences and pledged support as rescue efforts continue.
- Authorities say investigations into the cause will only begin once operations are concluded.
The death toll following the collapse of a four-storey building in Redcliffe, north of Durban, has risen to four, with the possibility of more fatalities still being assessed. Three of the deceased were recovered from the rubble on Saturday afternoon.
The building, located at the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection in Redcliffe, collapsed on Friday afternoon, prompting an ongoing rescue and recovery operation.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has expressed his deepest condolences to the grieving families and conveyed his full support to the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Disaster Management teams as operations continue.
“This is a deeply distressing incident. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased, those who have been injured during this incredibly difficult time, as well as the workers and families affected by this tragedy,” said Macpherson.
The minister visited the site on Saturday afternoon to assess the scene and receive updates from emergency teams working on the ground.
Macpherson said the department’s immediate focus remains on rescue and recovery efforts, as well as providing support to affected families.
“It would be premature and irresponsible to speculate on the causes of the collapse or the next steps while operations are ongoing. There will be time for a thorough investigation and accountability once all the facts have been established,” he said.
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