Deadly SA building collapse leaves scores trapped

A rescue cognition is continuing successful South Africa aft a five-storey gathering nether operation collapsed, sidesplitting 2 radical and leaving different 53 trapped.

Officials successful the metropolis of George, Western Cape province, accidental 22 radical person been pulled from the wreckage and taken to hospital.

A squad of 75 unit were connected the tract erstwhile the gathering collapsed connected Monday.

The origin of the incidental successful the coastal metropolis is being investigated.

The gathering crumbled astatine 14:09 section clip (12:09 GMT), Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said.

"Seventy-five members of operation unit person been confirmed connected tract astatine that clip of the incident," helium added.

Emergency services were seen rushing to the country to hunt for survivors successful the metropolis 450km (279 miles) eastbound of Cape Town..

Two of the 22 radical pulled from the wreckage aboriginal died of their injuries.

"Our thoughts are with the families and each those affected who proceed to hold for connection of their loved ones," said George Mayor Ald Van Wyk.

The officials accidental they person been capable to found interaction with immoderate of those trapped, and dense lifting instrumentality and sniffer dogs person been brought successful to assistance the operation.

Photos person emerged showing a wholly flattened operation site, with parts of the building's extortion laying atop the rubble.

"I saw 1 feline was moving and past 'boom' and I saw the full gathering collapsed... I'm besides traumatised. It is precise sad," section councillor Theresa Jeyi was quoted arsenic saying by Reuters quality agency.