George community holds vigil for artisans trapped under collapsed building

GEORGE - While anxious family members wait to hear news on relatives still trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building in George, the greater community has joined them, as they hold vigils for their loved ones. 

Rescuers are continuing their work at the site of a toppled apartment complex. 

The operation remains a rescue mission, 76 hours since the search began.

ALSO READ:

• Labour Dept approaches several foreign missions in probe of George building collapse

• Parly committee hopes new bill will prevent tragedies such as the George building collapse

• George building collapse death toll rises to 8

The families camped out at the George municipal hall have been visited by chaplains, trauma counsellors and humanitarian aides to cushion the reality of the delicate operation underway across the road.

But for the families anxiously waiting for news, these visits have provided solace.  

Excavations continue in the ruins of the 42-unit apartment complex. 

At this point, emergency crews are cautiously optimistic about finding survivors but are bracing for the worst. 

Forty-four people are still unaccounted for beneath the mounds.