Search-and-rescue operation called off after collapse at Verulam temple

The search-and-rescue operation at the collapsed Verulam temple site has concluded, with teams being stood down following an extensive project involving different teams since Friday's collapse. 

An extension under construction at the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection in Redcliffe, Verulam, collapsed with several people rescued, and five bodies were recovered over the weekend.

The temple, situated on the River Range Ranch, was built to resemble a cave.

Five people including temple founder Vick Panday, Vasudeva Datta Das, Kishore Hurribhujan, Jayseelan (Jayce) Perumal and Abdul Prabhus died in the collapse.

IPSS Search and Rescue spokesperson Samantha Meyrick said that after recovering the fifth body at the weekend, they started clearing the site as there was exposed rebar, metal strips and planting that posed a danger. 

“What we did on the rest of Sunday is we cleared all of that out. Then we were able to bring in the canine dogs, who then searched the area, just trying to see if they could locate any potential other bodies on site. I know the dogs did indicate a certain area. We then cleared that out, and when the dogs went back in, they showed no indication of any more bodies,” explained Meyrick.

“Only five people were reported missing, and those five people have been located. A lot of resources have been stood down from the scene because we can’t justify dedicating such big teams when we don’t know if we’re looking for anyone or not.” 

Meyrick said that on Monday, the SA Police Service’s search and rescue and eThekwini fire and emergency services sent a small team to look again with the dogs and also again to walk through the site. 

“It will remain a crime scene because they will have to investigate what happened,” noted Meyrick.

She said that over the weekend, the SA Police Service told her that it will be up to the engineers from the municipality to come in and work to start clearing the site. 

The search and rescue personnel she works with said they will stand down. 

“They’ll hand it over to the engineers, (but if there are new developments) then search and rescue will be called back in to do the recovery,” Meyrick said. 

“We work mostly with the search and rescue side of it, and we’ve basically been stood down until there’s any further development.”

KZN VIP Emergency Services expressed its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased. It also wished a speedy and full recovery to the injured. 

Reflecting on the incident, spokesperson Gareth Naidoo said that KZN VIP Emergency Services was among the first responders to arrive on scene, working in close coordination with multiple emergency, rescue, and medical agencies. Emergency teams were immediately mobilised following notification of the incident. Critical resources, including rescue personnel and equipment for medical intervention and scene management, were swiftly deployed to the location.

Naidoo said that the structure, which was under construction at the time of the incident, collapsed unexpectedly, resulting in several workers being trapped beneath the debris and others sustaining injuries. 

“The incident developed into a complex and emotionally challenging operation, with search and rescue teams working methodically and relentlessly under hazardous conditions,” Naidoo said. 

“KZN VIP Emergency Services sincerely commends and extends its gratitude to all emergency services, rescue teams, medical personnel, and supporting agencies for their exceptional professionalism, dedication, and seamless cooperation throughout the operation. We further acknowledge and appreciate the patience, understanding, and support shown by the community and the public as emergency operations continue.” 

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson is expected to brief the media on the outcomes of the preliminary investigation by the Council of the Built Environment (CBE) on the building collapse. Joining him are KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Martin Meyer, eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba and CBE CEO Dr Msizi Myeza, who will provide updates from their portfolios.

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za