By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The emergency services in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) are mounting a major rescue operation after a four-storey temple under construction tragically collapsed in the Redcliffe area, near Durban.
Fullview understands individuals are feared trapped beneath a massive heap of concrete and scaffolding following the catastrophic failure of the structure.
The emergency services had confirmed one person dead, 11 people — nine men and two women — were rescued and transported to hospital. Search-and-rescue operations to continue late into the night.
Prem Balram, an official with Reaction Unit South Africa, a security and emergency response company, said that the building appeared to be three or four storey high and served as an extension of the temple.
“The temple collapsed with several entrapments under concrete. Survivors were communicating via voice notes from under the building.
“We are doing all we can to try to free those who are trapped. We are calling for paramedics, and medical and rescue teams to provide support in the area,” Balram said.
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson said he is getting more information about the incident and will get to the scene as soon as possible.
“Right now, my thoughts are with those who are trapped and the rescue personal who are on scene,” he said.
Macpherson, along with several provincial MECs, are expected to visit the site in the morning to assess the situation and meet with emergency personnel.
Meanwhile, eThekwini Municipality said preliminary reports confirm that no building plans were approved for the structure.
“The municipality will formally hand the matter over to the department of Employment and Labour and will continue to cooperate fully with all relevant authorities to provide information that may assist the investigation.
“At this stage, the cause of the collapse remains undetermined and is under investigation. Additional resources are being mobilised to strengthen extrication efforts and provide medical support to those affected,” said the municipality in a statement.
The temple, which lacked proper construction permits, was being built to resemble a cave and aimed to house the biggest Lord Narsimhadeva idol globally.