One Dead, Eleven Rescued as Temple Collapses in Redcliffe
Redcliffe, Durban – A four-storey temple building under construction in Redcliffe, north of Durban, collapsed on Friday, trapping workers beneath the debris. One person has been confirmed dead, while eleven others have been pulled alive from the wreckage as rescue operations continue.
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) confirmed the incident, stating that what began as a routine construction day turned into a nightmare when the entire structure came crashing down. The eleven survivors, two women and nine men, have been taken to hospital for treatment.
The first responders on the scene, Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) paramedics, reported on Friday afternoon that "Several individuals have been rescued from the debris. An extensive rescue operation, coordinated by disaster management, is currently under way."
RUSA spokesperson Prem Balram described the scene at River Range Ranch as critical, stating that "a four-storey temple at River Range Ranch in Redcliffe has collapsed with several entrapments under concrete". Balram also confirmed that "survivors are communicating via voice notes from under the building", underscoring the urgency of the rescue operation.
The scale of the response has been significant, with emergency medical services, specialised fire and rescue units, and law enforcement agencies converging on the site in a coordinated effort. RUSA issued an urgent appeal for support at 12:10, with Balram stressing the critical need for immediate reinforcement: "Any medical or rescue teams can provide support to RUSA officers and paramedics to assist without delay."
MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi expressed deep concern over the tragedy. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the workers and their families during this difficult time," Buthelezi stated.
He added: "We have mobilised all necessary resources to ensure that rescue operations proceed as quickly and safely as possible. The Provincial Disaster Management Centre will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available."
eThekwini municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana confirmed the recovery of one body. Sisilana also stated that "preliminary reports confirm that no building plans were approved for the structure, rendering it illegal."
"At this stage, the cause of the collapse remains undetermined and is under investigation," Sisilana added.
Cogta spokesperson Senzelwa Mzila described the situation as “active and highly sensitive, with emergency medical personnel attending to the injured while specialised search and rescue teams work tirelessly to reach those who are still trapped beneath the debris.”
Mzila urged members of the public to avoid the affected area and emphasised that clear access was essential for emergency teams to carry out their life-saving operations without obstruction. Mzila confirmed that the Provincial Disaster Management Centre would continue to monitor the situation closely.
Provincial authorities have confirmed that preliminary reports indicate the building was under construction at the time of the collapse. Several people are still believed to be trapped beneath the concrete and steel wreckage.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
Follow Us on Twitter
