Rescue operations are continuing in George where a luxury apartment building under construction suddenly collapsed on Monday afternoon.
Another family received the devastating news on Tuesday when a sixth death was confirmed while the George Municipality held a press conference.
Dozens of survivors are currently being treated in hospital with more about 40 still unaccounted for.
There is still hope among other family members as rescue workers confirmed that 11 people were still alive with one communicating with his wife on his cell phone.
The worker knew his exact location and was told to switch his phone off intermittently to save his battery.
Chief Director for Western Cape Provincial Disaster Services Colin Deiner said when they sent the dogs to the point where he was communicating from, he told them in which flat he was doing an inspection on and his location could be pinpointed by looking at the building maps and the way it collapsed.
"We sent the dogs in there and we did a seismic, acoustic search that indicated where the person was. we haven't released the person yet, that is one of the people we are in contact with so we are continuing with that operation as we speak," he said.
During the briefing, officials would not divulge the name of the developers as there is already a criminal investigation underway. However, a simple Google search by Algoa FM News led us to the company involved.
The Group has completed several projects across the country including the Summit Place development in Menlyn, consisting of offices, a hotel, restaurants and a car dealership.
The development took around 10 years to complete and includes the Assupol building which is one of the tallest office buildings in Pretoria East.
Western Cape Premier Allen Winde said no stone will be left unturned to get to the bottom of this tragedy.
Asked when the rescue operation will be changed into a recovery operation, officials said they would give it three days before making a decision.
Dozens of people remain trapped under the rubble with over 100 emergency workers on the scene, including sniffer dogs and support personnel from Gift of the Givers.
The development of the building, situated on Victoria Drive, was announced by the company in 2022.
An artist's impression and floor plan of the five-story building would have consisted of several luxury two and three-bedroom apartments, executive apartments, and bachelor units.
#GeorgeBuildingCollapse we are told that 11 people are still alive in the ruble and being communicated with and comforted by rescue workers on scene. An investigation has also been launched to determined what led to this tragedy. Death toll is standing at five. pic.twitter.com/0Ac7zwyhFy
— AlgoaFMNews (@AlgoaFMNews) May 7, 2024
