Minister Macpherson to visit site of construction collapse at New Ahobilam Temple in Verulam
Coordinated rescue efforts continue
The construction site.
Image: Reaction Unit South Africa/Facebook
DEAN Macpherson, the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, is expected to visit the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection at the River Range Ranch in Redcliff, Verulam, today where a four-storey building under construction at the site collapsed on Friday.
According to a statement by Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa), rescue technicians are currently working to access individuals believed to still be trapped beneath large concrete slabs.
Five people, who were initially trapped, were successfully rescued, while a further eight construction workers were treated for mild to moderate injuries. There were unconfirmed reports of fatalities in the building collapse.
Vick Panday, the founder of the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection, was believed to be among those trapped under debris.
According to a media statement by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Macpherson will be joined by 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.
The South African Police Service, Fire and Rescue Services, specialised rescue technicians from multiple organisations, paramedics, and members of Rusa on standby at the scene as coordinated rescue efforts continue.
Panday built the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection, which has been fashioned to look like a cave. The temple, erected in honour of the Hindu God Lord Nrsimhadeva, is situated in the Vrindavan Eco Village in Verulam and it was opened last May.