Johannesburg - There were possibly more people trapped under the rubble of a partially collapsed building in Power Park, Soweto, on Wednesday, Johannesburg emergency management services said.
“All four people who we thought were trapped underneath there have been rescued but now a fifth person is trapped on the other side of the collapsed building,” said spokeswoman Nana Radebe.
“We are not ruling out the possibility that there are more people underneath there.”
Earlier, Radebe said paramedics received a call from an injured man who claimed to have been part of a group who were allegedly trying to steal cables and metal from the building.
Radebe said the trapped man was pinned to the ground by a beam on his hand. He was conscious and communicating with them.
“There is too much rubble and metal so search and rescue teams are using specialised equipment to try to get to him,” Radebe said.
“The building needs to be stabilised before he can be taken out.”
Radebe was unsure whether rescue efforts would continue through the night.
Sapa