Apartment building collapse in George

On 6 May 2024, an apartment building collapsed while under construction in George, South Africa, resulting in 34 deaths.

Casualties
Thirty-four construction workers were killed in the collapse or died later as a result of their injuries. Sixty-two people were on site at the time of the collapse, many of whom were rescued alive in a ten-day rescue and recovery operation. The last survivor was rescued on Friday 10 May after 5 days (118 hours) trapped under the rubble.

Background
In August 2020, Erf 15098 was sold for R2.07 million to Pacific Breeze Trading 91. In March 2021, the owners of the land applied for amendments to the building; an increase from 4 to 5 storeys and inclusion of 66 parking bays in an underground basement parking lot. The developer, Neo Trend Group Ice Projects, submitted its final plans in December 2022; it had been approved in July 2023. On 14 March 2024, plans for the building were signed off for.