Rescue teams have recovered a fifth body from the rubble of a collapsed temple construction site in Verulam, north of Durban, bringing the death toll from the tragedy to five.
The four-storey structure at the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection in Redcliffe collapsed last Friday while still under construction, trapping several people beneath tons of concrete and steel.
It remains unclear whether more victims are still buried under the debris.
Difficult weather conditions
Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) confirmed the latest recovery, saying search-and-rescue technicians managed to retrieve the body after battling difficult weather conditions.
“Search and rescue technicians have recovered a fifth body from the site of a temple disaster in Redcliffe, KwaZulu-Natal, following the collapse of a four-storey structure,” Rusa said.
Operations were temporarily halted on Saturday due to severe weather, but resumed on Sunday once conditions improved.
Rescuers used specialised equipment, including a rescue basket lowered into a cavity within the collapsed building, to recover the body.
“At this stage, it remains unconfirmed whether any additional individuals may still be trapped beneath the rubble,” Rusa added.
Investigate the cause of the collapse
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba visited the site on Saturday after meeting with affected families.
He confirmed that a multidisciplinary technical team has been appointed to investigate the cause of the collapse and compile a preliminary report, expected to be released this week.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean MacPherson has urged the public to avoid speculation about the cause of the incident, noting that an official investigation is under way.
He also expressed concern over recurring fatalities at construction sites, stressing that such environments should be safe.
Authorities have assured affected families that government support will continue as recovery efforts and investigations proceed.
