THE City of Joburg says the building that collapsed in Ormonde, Joburg - killing six people - may have been constructed without approved plans.
City Manager Dr Floyd Brink addressed the media at the scene at 6 Amethyst Business Park on Amethyst Road. He confirmed that about 15 people were affected when the structure gave way shortly after 2pm.
"The first six of them, we managed to transport them all through to hospitals. We transported them to Garden City as well as Mulbarton Park," he said.
Six confirmed dead
Brink confirmed six fatalities.
"Of which three of the deceased we managed to retrieve. The other three are still stuck under the rubble," said Brink.
He said three more people remain unaccounted for.
Rescue teams, including K9 units, are continuing to search through the debris. Heavy machinery is being used to lift rubble, but Brink warned operations could be paused if it becomes unsafe.
No approved plans
What has raised alarm is the apparent lack of approved building documentation.
"Looking at the preliminary investigations, we cannot seem to find any form of approved plans," Brink said.
ALSO READ | Building collapses, six confirmed deadOpens in new window
He explained that developments in such areas should have an approved SDF (Spatial Development Framework) and signed-off building plans.
"If you look behind me, you'll see a very big pylon there… any construction from a pylon should be a minimum of 50 metres," he said, adding: "I can then at this point say to you that both are illegal."
There will be consequences
He warned there will be consequences for the disaster.
"This is something that will most probably be handed over to police… there will definitely be consequences," Brink said.
He said that city departments may also be held accountable if procedures were not followed.
Earlier, Joburg Public Safety MMC Mgcini Tshwaku confirmed the six deaths and said the matter is being treated as a criminal case.
'We are like a family'
Eyewitness Mhlanguli Ngulube said 13 workers were on the deck when it suddenly collapsed.
"There were 13 people on the deck when it collapsed… I'm still wondering whether the others are alive," he said.
Ngulube claimed there was no proper propping in place and that workers were unaware they were pouring concrete onto a slab structure.
"We have been working together for over 15 years. We are like a family," he said.
The cause of the collapse remains under investigation as rescue teams continue working around the clock.
