Staff Reporter
Rescue workers recovered a fifth body from the rubble of a collapsed structure at the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection in Redcliffe, Verulam, north of Durban, on Sunday.
The collapse happened on Friday afternoon when a multi-storey structure under construction at the temple premises gave way, trapping people under concrete and debris.
Emergency services said 11 people — nine men and two women — were rescued alive and taken for medical treatment.
eThekwini municipality said the cause of the collapse was still being assessed.
It said preliminary findings indicated no approved building plans for the structure.
“Operations are expected to take time, as debris must be carefully and systematically removed to ensure the safety of all involved,” said the municipality.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli on Sunday visited the families of the five victims who died.
He said the focus was on helping the families to prepare for the “dignified burial of their loved ones, rather than pointing fingers at the alleged culprits”.
“Our focus is on supporting the bereaved families during this difficult time, as we work together to prepare for the burials of our beloved ones,” said Ntuli.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson visited the scene on Saturday.
He urged the public not to speculate, saying a formal investigation would follow once the rescue phase ended, with the Council for the Built Environment expected to lead it.
Macpherson was joined by eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba, KZN public works MEC Martin Meyer, and COGTA MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi.
“Our disaster management teams will not rest until all individuals are recovered. We appreciate the additional support from the Western Cape’s specialised K9 unit, which will strengthen our capacity,” said Buthelezi.
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