Devotee dies of heart attack at New Ahobilam Temple in Verulam following building collapse
Heartbreaking incident
The site where a structure at the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection at the River Range Ranch in Redcliff, Verulam.
Image: Reaction Unit South Africa/Facebook
IN A HEARTBREAKING incident at the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection, located at the River Range Ranch in Verulam, a 64-year-old devotee succumbed to a heart attack, while visiting the temple site where a four-storey building under construction had earlier collapsed.
In a statement on social media, Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) posted that the man's death was unrelated to the collapse of the building structure.
"Resuscitation efforts were immediately initiated by paramedics from the provincial ambulance service, Rusa, medical personnel from the Gift of the Givers, metro police, and other private medical services. Despite extensive efforts, the male could not be revived and was pronounced deceased on scene," posted Rusa.
Meanwhile, search and rescue operations for victims trapped beneath tonnes of debris at the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection resumed this morning.
Five people, who were initially trapped yesterday, were successfully rescued, while a further eight construction workers were treated for mild to moderate injuries. There were unconfirmed reports of fatalities.
Vick Panday, the founder of the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection, was believed to be among those trapped under debris.
Dean Macpherson, the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, is expected to visit the site today with the KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi; KZN MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Martin Meyer; Council for the Built Environment Chief Executive Officer, Dr Msizi Myeza; and Construction Industry Development Board CEO, Bongani Dladla.