Four people have been confirmed deceased after a wall at a local shop in Ngcobo, Eastern Cape, collapsed on top of them.
According to the provincial department of health, the incident occurred on Friday.
Mkhululi Ndamase, spokesperson for the province’s health MEC, said an additional 13 people had been rushed to the All Saints Hospital for treatment. This after they were injured in the building collapse.
“Emergency medical services personnel and other rescue workers are still busy with search and rescue. We send our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased,” said Ndamase.
He said that more information would be supplied in due course.
Follows earlier building collapse tragedy where 12 people died
This tragedy follows the one in George, in the Western Cape province, where a building collapsed and killed 12 people.
The building, which was still under construction, collapsed earlier this week.
According to reports, the death toll from the multi-storey structure increased to 12, with three more victims discovered on Friday afternoon.
Area declared a no-fly zone, 33 people still in hospital
Thirteen of the 33 people are still in hospital. The municipality also announced that Airports Company South Africa has declared the Victoria Street tragedy location a no-fly zone.
“This restriction will be strictly enforced. Any individuals found violating it will be subjected to criminal prosecution,” said the municipality.
The municipality further stated that it has sent earth-moving machinery to assist with the rescue operation.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said the operation is complex and delicate.
“Despite this, our highly experienced emergency and disaster management crews have been working flat-out to find the workers who are still trapped. If need be, we will further intensify our efforts,” said Winde.
