Rescue worker discovers that his dad was among five killed in Redcliffe temple collapse

The death toll from the building collapse at the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection in Redcliffe has risen to five, authorities confirmed on Saturday, with the latest victim identified as Jayseelan Perumal — the father of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) Operations Manager, Devan Perumal, POST has reported.

Emergency teams resumed search and rescue operations at the site this morning following Friday’s tragedy, in which a four-storey building under construction collapsed during a concrete pour.

Among the deceased are Vic Panday, founder of the temple; senior devotee Vasudev Prabhu; and local farmer Kishore Haribhujan. The fifth victim is believed to be a 42-year-old construction worker.

Prem Balram of RUSA confirmed Jayseelan Perumal’s death and commended Devan Perumal’s dedication, stating that despite suffering a personal loss, he continued to serve in the emergency response effort alongside other rescuers.

In an unrelated incident, a 64-year-old male devotee died of a heart attack while visiting the temple site during ongoing rescue operations.

In a statement, RUSA said the man’s death was not linked to the building collapse. “Resuscitation efforts were immediately initiated by paramedics from the provincial ambulance service, RUSA, Gift of the Givers medical personnel, metro police, and other private medical services. Despite extensive efforts, the male could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene,” the statement read.

Rescue teams remain on site as operations continue to ensure all individuals are accounted for. A formal investigation into the cause of the collapse is under way.

IOL News