Police in KwaZulu-Natal are investigating a tragic wall collapse at a construction site in Ballito that resulted in the deaths of four workers on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
The incident occurred while fourteen workers were on-site, constructing a gabion retaining wall at the bottom of an escarpment on Zen Drive. The collapse buried five workers under the rubble, initiating an urgent search and rescue operation.
Rescue efforts were significantly hindered by the collapse of surrounding sand banks, but after hours of searching, one worker was found alive, approximately six hours after the incident. Sadly, the other four workers were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police Spokesperson Robert Netshiunda confirmed that inquest dockets have been opened to investigate the circumstances leading to the wall collapse. “The police’s Search and Rescue team, in collaboration with private entities, managed to rescue all five victims, but unfortunately, four were certified dead at the scene. One worker was found alive after hours of extensive search efforts.”
The investigation aims to uncover the exact cause of the collapse and ensure accountability for this tragic incident. Further details will be released as the investigation progresses.
