Rescue workers leading the search for construction workers trapped in a collapsed building in George have changed gears.
After officials revised the initial count of artisans on site on Monday, it’s been confirmed 81 people were working on the apartment complex when it folded.
The previous reported figure was 75.
This means, 44 workers remain unaccounted for.
The marathon effort has reached a critical stage and rescue workers cannot afford to be loose with the details.
The George Municipality’s Chantel Edwards says after going over the numbers again with the building authorities, the tally of artisans on site at the time of the collapse has increased.
“This follows intensive discussions and scrutinization of the safety records with the responsible contractors. The contractor has now confirmed that the total Number on site at time of incident is 81.”
Now, more than 65 hours into this operation, provincial disaster chief Colin Deiner says the success of their plans hinge on the change in strategy.
“The stage we’re in now is long and difficult. We are in a phase now of rescue equipment to demolition equipment. That doesn’t mean we have to change from rescue to recovery, but we have to change the equipment. It’s going to be a slow and careful job; it’ll take many hours.”
Rescue efforts have continued overnight.
Teams say they remain committed to the first 72 hours staying in rescue mode – whereafter it becomes a recovery mission.
-EWN
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