Death toll in Ormonde building collapse rises to eight

The death toll from the two-storey building under construction in Ormonde, south of Johannesburg, has risen to eight, following the resumption of search-and-rescue operations on Tuesday. 

Operations were suspended on Monday night after six people were confirmed dead.

On Monday, two bodies remained trapped in the rubble, and one person was still missing.

However, emergency officials reportedly confirmed that two of the workers who were trapped under the rubble have been declared deceased.

The incident occurred on Monday afternoon at the Sixth Amethyst Business Park.

City of Joburg mayor Dada Morero, is expected to visit the site with members of his mayoral committee.

Deputy minister of Labour Jomo Sibiya is also expected to conduct a loco inspection at the site, at 11.am.

On Monday night, City manager Floyd Brink said preliminary investigations found no evidence of approved building plans for the collapsed structure. 

He said the required development framework and other approvals did not appear to be in place.

“We cannot seem to find any form of approved plans because in an area like this you should have had an SDF (spatial development framework) as well as other approved building plans,” Brink said.

Engineers and building control officials are assessing the structural integrity of the site while rescue teams continue their search.

“We are trying our best for our teams to work around the clock, but at some point, if it becomes unsafe for them to do so, we will have to call it off and then continue again in the morning,” Brink said.

He confirmed the matter had been handed over to police. The city has obtained the name of the contractor but has been unable to locate the contractor, engineers or the building owner.

“There will definitely be consequences,” Brink said, adding that action would be taken against any City of Johannesburg officials found to be involved.

President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his condolences to the families of the victims and said he expects an inquiry to provide answers and help prevent a similar tragedy.

“The president expects an inquiry into the collapse will provide answers to the families of the deceased and to survivors and that such an inquiry will help to prevent a recurrence of a tragedy such as this,” the presidency said.

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