Rescue workers search through the rubble of a collapsed building in George, Western Cape.file photo
Rescue workers and onlookers cheered and applauded on Saturday as survivors were pulled out from under the rubble of a collapsed building in George, Western Cape province, for the first time in 116 hours, killing at least 13 people.
“This is the miracle we've all been hoping for,” Premier Alan Winde told TV show X.
An apartment complex under construction in George collapsed on Monday afternoon while 81 workers were on site.
“When we got down to the side of the slab where we found it, we could hear someone inside, so we stopped all major work,” Colin Diner, head of the rescue operation, told reporters.
Rescue workers then called out to the survivor, who yelled back, Diner said.
“He told us he was putting weight on his leg. We're very concerned about that after such a long period of time.”
Several hours later, the survivors were rescued and rushed to hospital.
Rescue teams have been in a race against time since the building collapsed.
Thirty people were rescued alive and 38 are missing.
Mr Winde said a “difficult” identification process was underway, with police using fingerprints, DNA tests and photographs.
Plans for the 42-unit apartment complex were approved by the city in July.
The reason for the collapse is still unknown.
© Agence France-Presse
