Africa-Press – South-Africa. Rescue workers leading the search for construction workers trapped in a collapsed building in George have changed gears.
After officials revised the initial count of artisans on site on Monday, it’s been confirmed 81 people were working on the apartment complex when it folded.
The previous reported figure was 75.
This means, 44 workers remain unaccounted for.
The marathon effort has reached a critical stage and rescue workers cannot afford to be loose with the details.
“The stage we’re in now is long and difficult. We are in a phase now of rescue equipment to demolition equipment. That doesn’t mean we have to change from rescue to recovery, but we have to change the equipment. It’s going to be a slow and careful job; it’ll take many hours.”
Rescue efforts have continued overnight.
Teams say they remain committed to the first 72 hours staying in rescue mode – whereafter it becomes a recovery mission.
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