Task team set up to probe cause of deadly Verulam building collapse

A technical task team has been set up to investigate the cause of the structural building collapse that claimed five lives in Verulam.

While the cause of the collapse is still under investigation.

"Preliminary reports indicate the structure had no approved building plans, rendering it illegal," eThekwini Municipality said in a statement.

Following a visit to the site at the weekend, City Mayor Cyril Xaba, said a multidisciplinary technical team has been established to investigate the cause of the incident.

"The team will collect all relevant information and compile a preliminary report, which will be released to the public next week," Xaba added.

"We urge the public not to speculate about the cause of the incident and to allow the technical team the necessary space to conduct its work," he noted.

Heartbreak for families

Meanwhile, the founder of the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection in Redcliffe, Vic Panday, and Vasudev Data Das have been identified as two of the five bodies pulled from the wreckage.

Kishore Haribhajan, a local farmer from Brindhaven, was also among the dead, reported The Post.

Jace Perumal has also since been identified as one of the deceased. 

Reaction Unit SA's Prem Balram said a staffer at Rusa, Devan Perumal, arrived at the scene to find his father Jayseelan Perumal's white Uno parked under the rubble.

"He eventually made contact with his father by calling out his name and communicated with him for approximately an hour.

"The trapped man informed his son that he was pinned down by concrete pillars and both his legs were broken," Balram said.

Jayce's body was the fifth to have been retrieved from the wreckage.

Rescue efforts continue

The City said following the recovery of a fifth victim from the Verulam Temple collapse, search and rescue teams continue efforts to locate any individuals who may still be unaccounted for.

"Emergency services remain on site, working in close collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams to intensify rescue and recovery efforts," the City stated.

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