Building in Johannesburg collapsed on Monday
A routine Monday morning turned tragic when a first-floor concrete slab gave way inside a two-storey building at Amethyst Business Park in Ormonde, south of Johannesburg, leaving six people dead and several others injured.
Emergency teams rushed to the scene after the slab, which separated the ground and upper levels of the structure, suddenly collapsed, triggering severe structural failure.
Rescue operations began immediately as paramedics, firefighters and search-and-rescue personnel worked to reach those caught beneath the debris.
Johannesburg MMC for public safety Mgcini Tshwaku described the incident as “devastating”.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and all those affected by this devastating incident,” he said.
At least one person was transported to hospital, while two others remained trapped under the rubble as crews battled to extricate them safely.
In one of the rescue efforts, Tshwaku confirmed that there is “a possibility of amputation” after a slab landed on a victim’s limb.
Several individuals were initially reported missing, prompting an intensive search of the unstable structure.
Authorities have since indicated that operations are ongoing as teams work methodically to account for everyone believed to have been inside the building at the time of the collapse.
Tshwaku said the cause of the structural failure has not yet been determined, stressing that rescue efforts remain the immediate priority.
“The cause of the collapse remains unknown,” he said. “A thorough investigation will commence once all individuals are accounted for.”
He also commended the coordinated response from both public and private emergency services, noting that teams would continue working around the clock to secure the site and prevent further danger.
Members of the public have been urged to avoid the area to allow rescue operations to proceed without obstruction. Authorities say further updates will be issued as more verified information becomes available.
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