Hope fades for 44 trapped in collapsed South Africa building

Relatives of 44 trapped construction workers in George, South Africa, faced a fourth day of anxious waiting on Thursday as heavy machinery worked to find survivors under the collapsed building. Of the 81 individuals present during the collapse, eight have been confirmed dead, and 29 are alive, with 16 in critical condition according to George municipality's latest report.

Rescuers try to find construction workers trapped under a building that collapsed in George, South Africa, May 8, 2024.

The missing individuals remain unnamed, but a list of names circulated among worried relatives gathered at the site, desperate for updates. Earth-moving equipment is clearing concrete slabs from the chaotic debris, with sniffer dogs aiding in the search efforts.

A family member of a construction worker reacts near the site where dozens of workers were trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building in George, South Africa, May 7, 2024.

The situation has spurred solidarity in George, with local companies providing equipment and volunteers setting up support services like coffee stalls for waiting families and rescue teams. While trapped survivors were initially heard by rescue teams, there have been no further updates on this.

The cause of the collapse is yet to be determined, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa to call for an investigation into the incident.

Rescue workers at the scene of a collapsed building in George, South Africa, May 7, 2024.