Death toll rises to three in Redcliffe temple collapse
Temple Collapse
The death toll has risen to three following last night’s tragic building collapse in Redcliffe, Verulam. Emergency services remain on site, intensifying rescue operations.
Image: eThekwini Municipality
VIC Panday, founder of the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection, in Redcliffe, and devotee Vasudev Data Das are among the three dead after a temple building collapsed in Redcliffe, Verulam.
Emergency crews continue search and rescue operations, while preliminary investigations reveal the structure was built illegally without approved plans, the eThekwini Municipality said in a statement today.
The eThekwini mayor has visited the site to offer condolences to affected families.
Panday was among the people trapped in the rubble.
According to eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana, search and rescue teams recovered three bodies from the debris earlier, confirming fears that the tragedy had claimed multiple lives.
“Search and rescue teams have recovered three bodies from the debris of the collapsed temple building in Redcliffe, Verulam. Emergency services remain on site, working alongside multi-disciplinary teams to intensify rescue operations. The search continues for possible further entrapments,” said Sisilana.
The death toll has risen to three following last night’s tragic building collapse in Redcliffe, Verulam. Emergency services remain on site, intensifying rescue operations.
Image: eThekwini Municipality
Sisilana confirmed that eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba visited the scene on Thursday night, where he met with affected families and offered his condolences.
“Mayor Cyril Xaba visited the scene last night, offering condolences to the bereaved families,” she said.
Troubling details have also emerged about the legality of the structure.
“The cause of the collapse is still under investigation. Preliminary reports indicate the structure had no approved building plans, rendering it illegal,” Sisilana revealed.
Meanwhile, the municipality says it is bolstering its response on the ground to ensure no effort is spared in the rescue mission and care for those affected.
“Additional resources are being mobilised to strengthen extrication efforts and provide medical support to those affected. Further updates will be issued as soon as verified information becomes available, in line with the Municipality’s commitment to public safety and accountability,” Sisilana said.