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Death Toll Rises to Five in Verulam Temple Collapse as Search Continues

Officials say the site lacked approved building plans, prompting a Council for the Built Environment investigation.

Overview

  • Rescuers recovered a fifth body on Sunday morning, but authorities still cannot confirm how many people remain unaccounted for.
  • Operations have been repeatedly slowed by unstable concrete and heavy rain, with teams committing to remain on site until all recoveries are completed.
  • The multi-storey addition over a functioning temple collapsed during a concrete pour on the upper level, according to survivors and first responders.
  • eThekwini has referred the case to the Department of Employment and Labour, while Premier Thami Ntuli and Minister Dean Macpherson called for accountability and regulatory fixes.
  • A family member identified temple owner Vic (Vickey) Jairaj Panday among the deceased, as a municipal technical team prepares a preliminary report expected next week.