George building collapse death toll rises to 12

CAPE TOWN - Three more deaths have been confirmed at the site of the George building collapse.

This brings to 12 the number of people who have died since the five-storey apartment block came crashing down on Monday.

READ: Company in charge of George building site willing to assist with investigations

Forty-one people are still trapped under the rubble, while 18 survivors have been hospitalised, including one patient who has been airlifted to the Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town.

Western Cape Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo said that on-site forensic facilities have been set up so that morgues are not overburdened.

“The team has made a temporary structure. When they are found there will be preliminary examinations.”

Forensic labs are also on standby to expedite DNA samples for analysis.

Ninety-two hours into the operation and demolition crews are now working with rescue teams.

The airspace above the site has also been cleared as a precautionary measure to allow the rescue drone uninterrupted access.