DOORNKOP, Gauteng – Three people, including a child, were killed when a double-storey building collapsed in Doornkop in the early hours of this morning (28 December), the City of Johannesburg Emergency Medical Services confirmed.
Xolile Khumalo, City of Johannesburg EMS spokesperson, said emergency crews were dispatched to the scene at 03:00 after receiving reports of the structural collapse.
“Upon arrival, it was confirmed that six people were inside the building at the time of collapse, and three were trapped beneath the rubble,” Khumalo said.
All trapped victims were successfully extricated from the debris, but the incident claimed three lives: two adult women and one child.
According to Khumalo, the survivors sustained varying degrees of injuries during the collapse.
“One patient sustained critical injuries and required immediate life-saving medical intervention following extrication,” the spokesperson said. “One patient sustained serious injuries and required urgent medical care and rapid transportation to hospital, while one patient sustained minor injuries, remained stable after assessment on scene, and was transported for further evaluation.”
Three patients were transported to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, including an adult female with serious injuries, an adult female with minor injuries, and a child with minor injuries.
“Tragically, three lives were lost in this incident: two women and one child,” Khumalo said.
The EMS spokesperson expressed condolences to the affected families. “EMS extends heartfelt condolences to the families,” Khumalo said.
The cause of the building collapse remains unknown. “The incident has been handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation,” Khumalo stated.
Local authorities have cordoned off the area while investigation teams examine the site to determine what led to the structural failure.
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