A devastating building collapse in George, South Africa, has left the nation in shock, with rescue teams battling against the clock to find survivors amidst the rubble. The unfinished five-story apartment complex crumbled on Monday, trapping nearly 40 construction workers beneath the debris.

Desperate Search for Survivors

As the death toll rises to seven, rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate the 39 missing workers. Sixteen of the 29 rescued so far are fighting for their lives in critical condition, while six others have life-threatening injuries. The search efforts have been bolstered by specialist disaster response teams from across the country, with over 200 rescue personnel working in shifts to comb through the wreckage.

Heroic Efforts Amidst the Rubble

Rescuers have been using sniffer dogs, underground cameras, and heavy lifting equipment to navigate the treacherous terrain. In a heartwarming display of hope, some survivors managed to contact family members using their cell phones while trapped, helping emergency responders pinpoint their location. The rescue efforts have been met with cheers and applause as survivors are brought to safety.

Community Rallies Behind Rescue Efforts

As the rescue operation continues, the George municipality has appealed for donations of water, energy drinks, and food to sustain the rescue personnel. The Western Cape government has also deployed emergency response teams from Cape Town and other cities to aid in the efforts, which are expected to last until at least Friday.

Investigations Underway

The cause of the building collapse is currently under investigation by multiple authorities, including the police, provincial government, and national department of labor. As the nation waits with bated breath for news of the missing workers, one thing is clear – the people of South Africa are coming together in the face of tragedy to support those affected.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.