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24 May 2024
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Four workers die in Ballito construction site collapse, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
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Four construction workers died after a sand embankment collapsed at a construction site at a Ballito construction site in Zen Drive, Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday, 18 May 2024; the second major incident of its kind in the country in weeks. Five workers were trapped under tons of sand when the embankment collapsed at the site at Ballito, north of Durban. However, rescue workers were able to save one of the buried workers. By the time the man was found, firefighters, paramedics and police rescue personnel had been at the scene for several hours.
Land-moving equipment was brought onto the scene to help remove the bodies of the other workers, a process which Meyrick described as “slow” due to high risks on the steep slope.
Worker found alive in dramatic hours-long rescue operation
IPSS spokesperson Samantha Meyrick said that the bodies of four men had been freed and that the fifth man had initially been presumed dead. But she later provided an update, "He was found alive after nearly 12 hours. He is currently in the care of IPSS advanced life support paramedics. The Air Mercy Services Helicopter was activated to fly the patient to an appropriate facility for further care”, Meyrick added.
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), a non-profit organisation, played a key role in the search and recovery of the workers. “CERT would like to sincerely thank the Ballito community and businesses for generously coming forward and providing refreshments and meals to all rescue personnel that were on scene. It is so heartwarming to see how residents and businesses come together in time of need,” the organisation said.
KZN CoGTA MEC Bongi Sithole-Moloi, said, “We have dispatched our teams to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the safety of all workers and passersby.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, expressed her sadness at the incident, which she described as “yet another tragedy in the built environment and construction sector”, following the multi-storey building collapse in George, Western Cape, which to date has claimed the lives of 33 people. “It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the four construction workers who tragically lost their lives when a wall collapsed at a construction site on Zen Drive in Ballito on Saturday. This devastating incident has cast a shadow of grief over our community and we mourn alongside those who are suffering this unimaginable loss,” Dube-Ncube said.
Dube-Ncube said while awaiting the results of the police investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident, the provincial government is committed to ensuring that the families affected receive the support and assistance they need.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of the deceased during this incredibly difficult time. We also wish to extend our support to the one worker who survived this tragic event and is currently recovering from the ordeal.
“The bravery and dedication of the search and rescue teams, who worked tirelessly to rescue the workers, do not go unnoticed and are deeply appreciated,” Dube-Ncube said.
The Premier also emphasised the safety and well-being of the workers as a priority, adding that government will work diligently to prevent such tragedies in the future.
“In this time of sorrow, let us come together as a community to support those who have lost their loved ones and to honour the memory of those who perished. Their hard work and dedication will not be forgotten. May their respective souls rest in peace,” Dube-Ncube said.
There was a loss of power involving a number of homes in the surrounding area with snapped power cables due to the embankment failure. The Ballito Neighbourhood Watch supplied food and water as well as Councillor Tammy has also supplied drinks to keep the teams going. “Residents all pulling together opening their homes and cupboards for the rescue teams, amazing gesture of kindness.”
Sources: News 24, SA News, IPSS, Ballito Neighbourhood Watch
Land-moving equipment was brought onto the scene to help remove the bodies of the other workers, a process which Meyrick described as “slow” due to high risks on the steep slope.
Worker found alive in dramatic hours-long rescue operation
IPSS spokesperson Samantha Meyrick said that the bodies of four men had been freed and that the fifth man had initially been presumed dead. But she later provided an update, "He was found alive after nearly 12 hours. He is currently in the care of IPSS advanced life support paramedics. The Air Mercy Services Helicopter was activated to fly the patient to an appropriate facility for further care”, Meyrick added.
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), a non-profit organisation, played a key role in the search and recovery of the workers. “CERT would like to sincerely thank the Ballito community and businesses for generously coming forward and providing refreshments and meals to all rescue personnel that were on scene. It is so heartwarming to see how residents and businesses come together in time of need,” the organisation said.
KZN CoGTA MEC Bongi Sithole-Moloi, said, “We have dispatched our teams to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the safety of all workers and passersby.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, expressed her sadness at the incident, which she described as “yet another tragedy in the built environment and construction sector”, following the multi-storey building collapse in George, Western Cape, which to date has claimed the lives of 33 people. “It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the four construction workers who tragically lost their lives when a wall collapsed at a construction site on Zen Drive in Ballito on Saturday. This devastating incident has cast a shadow of grief over our community and we mourn alongside those who are suffering this unimaginable loss,” Dube-Ncube said.
Dube-Ncube said while awaiting the results of the police investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident, the provincial government is committed to ensuring that the families affected receive the support and assistance they need.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of the deceased during this incredibly difficult time. We also wish to extend our support to the one worker who survived this tragic event and is currently recovering from the ordeal.
“The bravery and dedication of the search and rescue teams, who worked tirelessly to rescue the workers, do not go unnoticed and are deeply appreciated,” Dube-Ncube said.
The Premier also emphasised the safety and well-being of the workers as a priority, adding that government will work diligently to prevent such tragedies in the future.
“In this time of sorrow, let us come together as a community to support those who have lost their loved ones and to honour the memory of those who perished. Their hard work and dedication will not be forgotten. May their respective souls rest in peace,” Dube-Ncube said.
There was a loss of power involving a number of homes in the surrounding area with snapped power cables due to the embankment failure. The Ballito Neighbourhood Watch supplied food and water as well as Councillor Tammy has also supplied drinks to keep the teams going. “Residents all pulling together opening their homes and cupboards for the rescue teams, amazing gesture of kindness.”
Sources: News 24, SA News, IPSS, Ballito Neighbourhood Watch
