Several George building collapse victims identified as death toll climbs to 33
The formal identification process has been completed by the Victim Identification Centre and Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) on a number of deceased following the collapse of a partially built building in George.
This as rescue and recovery efforts are on day nine following the incident at 75 Victoria Street, last week Monday.
To date, 19 people remain unaccounted for, while 12 remain in hospital.
The death toll stands at 33 - of which 27 males are males and six are female.
Out of the 62 people that have been rescued and recovered, 18 have been positively identified - of which seven are South African, three Zimbabwean, five Malawian, two Mozambican and one Lesotho national.
George Municipality spokesperson Chantel Edwards-Klose says no more food donations needed for families.
"The George Municipality expresses profound gratitude for the overwhelming support shown through food donations for the families impacted by the recent building collapse.
"Acknowledging the generosity of the community, the Municipality announces that the donations received exceed the immediate needs of the affected families. Consequently, no further food donations are necessary until further notice at the George Civic Centre. However, for those still willing to contribute, donations may be redirected to AFM (AGS) Soteria Church at 27 Victoria Street.
"The Municipality extends its sincere appreciation to all individuals and organisations for their remarkable outpouring of goodwill during this difficult period.
Edwards-Klose adds the identification of descendants is the responsibility of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
"The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness FPS manages the visual identification in support of SAPS. After an incident such as this, visual identification can understandably be difficult and traumatic for family members and requires SAPS to undertake identification through scientific means, of which DNA testing is one method.
"We urge the media and public to please respect the families of the deceased while we facilitate the identification process with SAPS."
Minister of Employment and Labour, Thulas Nxesi, is expected to be visiting the area on Thursday.
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