Overview
- Authorities say a multi‑storey addition being built above a functioning Hindu temple in Verulam/Redcliffe collapsed during a concrete pour around midday.
- Cogta has confirmed one death, while a private security firm reported two fatalities that officials have not verified.
- eThekwini Municipality says preliminary checks found no approved plans for the structure and has referred the case to the Department of Employment and Labour.
- Rescue operations remain high‑risk due to structural instability, with specialised search‑and‑rescue teams and structural engineers deployed.
- Emergency updates report multiple rescues and hospitalisations, including an update noting 11 people transported for care, and some trapped individuals have communicated with families by phone.