Building collapse in Johannesburg suburb: at least six fatalities

At least six people have died, and several others are still believed to be trapped after a building collapsed on Monday in a southern suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa, according to local officials. The collapse happened at Amethyst Business Park in Ormonde.

Xolile Khumalo, spokesperson for Johannesburg Emergency Management Services, told reporters at the scene that two people are confirmed to be trapped beneath the rubble, while three others are still unaccounted for. One person has already been rescued. Furthermore, Khumalo explained that 12 workers were inside the ground floor of a two-storey building when a section of the structure suddenly gave way.

Authorities have asked the public to stay away from the area so emergency crews can continue their work without disruption. Search and rescue teams are increasing their efforts, but rescuers say unstable parts of the building are making the operation difficult. They warned that sections of the structure are already starting to cave in.

Officials said the rescue operation will continue until all missing individuals have been located. The reason for the collapse is still unclear, and an investigation is now underway.