Staff Reporter
Search and rescue teams had recovered four bodies from the debris of the collapsed temple building in Redcliffe, Verulam, by Saturday afternoon, according to the City of eThekwini.
Emergency services were working in high winds alongside multi-disciplinary teams to intensify operations and search for more possible entrapments.
The cause of the collapse, which took place on Friday, is still under investigation.
Preliminary reports indicate the extension that was being built onto the temple had no approved building plans, making it illegal.
eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba visited the scene on Friday night, offering condolences to the bereaved families, and also vowing that if laws were transgressed in the building process, “consequence management” would take place.
Additional resources were being mobilised to strengthen extrication efforts and provide medical support to those affected, said the city.
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, is expected to visit the scene later on Saturday.
INSIDE POLITICS