Search and rescue operations continue into the night at the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection at the River Ranch Range in Redcliff, Verulam, after an extension of the temple, which was under construction, collapsed on Friday afternoon. A person at the scene, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, said he and other bystanders are increasingly concerned for the safety and well-being of a number of people who remain trapped under the rubble. Reaction Unit SA’s Prem Balram said the exact number of people trapped or an estimate cannot be given at this time, as the situation is still unfolding.
One of those trapped under the rubble is a senior member of the temple whose last message, sent from under the rubble, was sent over two hours ago. Earlier in the day, many of those who were on the site at the time of the collapse were sending voice notes and messages to emergency personnel, friends, and family; however, those messages have since stopped. Although the messages could have stopped for many reasons, such as a dead phone battery, the sudden silence has still caused deep concern among the victims’ friends and families.
This afternoon, the KZN Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) confirmed that one person has died from the partial collapse of the temple. While many are speculating that there is at least one other person who has died, Cogta spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila has cautioned against said speculation. “Given the number of disaster response teams on site, all information needs to follow a process of verification before we can update the death toll,” he said. As the news of the tragedy has spread, people from all religions have sent thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.
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