DURBAN – Rescue efforts continue in Verulam, north of Durban, today after a building collapse at the River Range Ranch Temple on Friday afternoon.

The death toll has, by Saturday afternoon, risen to four.

According to reports Vic Panday, founder of the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection in Verulam, is believed to be among the people trapped.

Emergency services continue to work to free those trapped, confirming the initial single death by Saturday morning and multiple injuries after a four-story building addition fell onto the existing temple. The additional two deaths were confirmed by afternoon.

On Friday emergency services, as well as Gift of the Givers, responded – with rescue efforts complicated by difficult terrain and unstable rubble.

Efforts were temporarily halted due to structural instability, but resumed overnight and today.

An unknown number of people, believed to be construction workers, remain trapped under debris. The collapsed building was an extension to the existing temple, and it’s alleged the collapse happened while workers were placing concrete on the upper level.

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Preliminary reports apparently suggest no building plans were approved for the four-story extension.

The minister of Public Works is expected to visit the site later today for updates.

The media, including the SABC news team, have been chased away from the scene of the collapse.

According to reports, at least eight others were rescued yesterday.