Ntuthuzelo Nene20 May 2024 | 10:32

George building collapse death toll rises to 34

One of the workers recovered from the site of the building collapse died in hospital on Friday.

George building collapse death toll rises to 34

Balloons and flowers at Erf 15098, Victoria Street in George where a moment of silence was observed for those who perished in the building collapse, on 13 May 2024. Picture: Kayleen Morgan/Eyewitness News

GEORGE - The death toll from the George building collapse has risen to 34.

This comes after one person died in hospital on Friday.

Rescue and recovery operations concluded last week, and the site is now officially a crime scene after it was handed over to the police and the Department of Labour for investigations.

ALSO READ: Investigation into George building collapse continues as authorities wrap up rescue operations

Western Cape Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile said a team of experienced detectives have been assigned to the case.

"Western Cape Government Health and Wellness can confirm that one of the patients sadly passed away on Friday, the 17th of May,” said Southern Cape Health Department spokesperson Nadia Ferreira.

“We currently still have five patients in hospital and four at a step-down facility."