Building collapse: Ramaphosa expresses condolences; operation then resumes

(Foto: @CityofJoburgEMS/x)

Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the six people who died after a building collapsed in Ormonde, Johannesburg on Monday.

Ramaphosa said he expected that an investigation into the collapse would provide answers to the families of the deceased and to survivors and that such an investigation would help to prevent a repetition of a tragedy like this.

Meanwhile, the rescue operation will resume at 08:00 on Tuesday after it was called off last night due to the structural instability of the building and to ensure the safety of search and rescue personnel.

(Foto: @PublicSafetyMMC/x)

Mgcini Tshwaku, mayoral committee member for public safety in Johannesburg, said there were apparently 12 people in the building when it collapsed.

According to Tshwaku, six bodies were found in the rubble while three people were transported to a hospital. “Two additional people were seen deep inside the concrete slabs, but remain trapped, and one person is still missing.”

According to preliminary reports, the concrete slab dividing the structure into two floors collapsed, leading to significant structural failure.

Tshwaku said his thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and all those affected by this devastating incident.

(Foto: @CityofJoburgEMS/x)