Building collapse in Redcliffe, north of Durban: Trapped individuals communicate via voice notes amid rescue operation
A search and rescue operation is underway after a four-storey building collapsed in Redcliffe, north of Durban on Friday.
Image: Reaction Unit South Africa
An extensive Search and Rescue plan is being activated to locate and remove people trapped under the rubble after a four-storey building under construction collapsed in Redcliffe, Verulam on Friday.
According to private security company, Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), their control room received a call for assistance at approximately 11:56 after a member of the public witnessed the four-storey structural collapse at River Ranch Range in Redcliffe.
RUSA spokesperson Prem Balram, told East Coast Radio Newswatch, that they arrived to find that four levels of a building under construction had collapsed onto an existing temple.
He added that approximately eight people had been injured, they were treated on scene and taken to hospital. He added that possibly six people were trapped under the rubble.
It is believed that possibly six people are trapped under the rubble.
Image: Reaction Unit South Africa
“Reaction Officers & RUSA Paramedics arrived on scene and found eight construction workers outside the collapsed structure. They sustained mild to moderate injuries. Multiple individuals are confirmed to still be trapped beneath the debris. The extent of their injuries are unknown at this stage. ”
He said some of the trapped people had sent voice notes to their families to seek help and these messages had been shared with RUSA and the other rescue teams. He added that at least one of those trapped had sent a picture of where he was.
He added that an appeal for assistance from eThekwini Fire & Rescue Services and several specialised Search & Rescue organisations had been heeded and several rescue teams were now on the site.
RUSA added that structural engineers are also en route to the scene.