South Africa George building collapse that killed 34 was preventable, says minister

Workers reported feeling vibrations in the partially built structure, and being told to cover up holes with sand.

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A new report into the tragedy reveals that serious safety concerns had been raised well before the partially built five-storey apartment block collapsed in the town of George in May 2024.

Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson said the collapse was the result of multiple failures including the use of substandard materials, structural cracks, and visible gaps.

"There were a number of red flags that were continually raised about this project," said a visibly angry Macpherson.

Some of the defects were detected a year before the collapse. The health and safety officer even resigned in protest but work continued, the report found.