RESCUERS are running out of time as 39 construction workers have remained trapped under the rubble in George in Western Cape since Monday, 6 May 2024.
Out of 75 trapped workers, rescuers have retrieved 36 workers from under the rubble.
Briefing the media on Wednesday afternoon, George Mayor Leon van Wyk said it’s 48 hours since the tragedy happened, and they are running out of time.
He said at international standards, a person can live for a maximum of 72 hours without food and water in such traumatic situations as the victims are currently under.
The mayor is hopeful that more people will be rescued.
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He added that there is still a sign of life under the rubble, and the rescuers are pushing to save the lives of the victims.
“We have just come out of a period where they (rescuers) called for complete silence because they heard some form of sound or tapping, possibly by a victim from under the rubble.
"We sit in this very difficult situation where they are constantly looking to see where they can rescue and where to go. The site is 1200 square meters. It is a massive area to try and cover and to work through,” said Van Wyk.
According to the update provided by the George municipality at 3 pm on Wednesday, May 8, the rescue team has been unable to retrieve any person from the rubble since morning.
Out of the workers who have been retrieved, seven have lost their lives, 16 are in critical condition, six have life-threatening injuries, and seven have suffered minor injuries.
Premier Alan Winde said that some of the victims communicated with people outside but were instructed to turn off their phones to conserve battery life.
