Temple founder Vic Panday and local farmer among victims in fatal Verulam building collapse
Death toll rises to four
Vic Panday and Vasudev Data Das.
Image: Supplied
TRIBUTES have been pouring in for Vic Panday, the founder of the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection in Redcliffe, and Vasudev Data Das who were killed when a four-storey building under construction at the River Range Ranch temple in Verulam collapsed yesterday (Friday).
Kishore Haribhajan, a local farmer from Brindhaven, was also among the dead.
Prem Balram of Reaction Unit SA (Rusa) confirmed a fourth body of an unidentified male had just been pulled from the rubble.
He said rescue teams are still searching for other victims who could still be entrapped.
According to eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana, search and rescue teams recovered three bodies from the debris earlier, confirming fears that the tragedy had claimed multiple lives.
“Search and rescue teams have recovered three bodies from the debris of the collapsed temple building in Redcliffe, Verulam. Emergency services remain on site, working alongside multi-disciplinary teams to intensify rescue operations. The search continues for possible further entrapments,” said Sisilana.
Sisilana confirmed that eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba visited the scene on Thursday night, where he met with affected families and offered his condolences.
“Mayor Cyril Xaba visited the scene last night, offering condolences to the bereaved families,” she said.
Troubling details have also emerged about the legality of the structure.
“The cause of the collapse is still under investigation. Preliminary reports indicate the structure had no approved building plans, rendering it illegal,” Sisilana revealed.
Meanwhile, the municipality says it is bolstering its response on the ground to ensure no effort is spared in the rescue mission and care for those affected.
“Additional resources are being mobilised to strengthen extrication efforts and provide medical support to those affected. Further updates will be issued as soon as verified information becomes available, in line with the Municipality’s commitment to public safety and accountability,” Sisilana said.