On Monday afternoon, a devastating structural collapse claimed the life of a 16-month-old child and left her twin sister seriously injured in Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal.
The incidents occurred during heavy storms that swept through the region, causing significant damage to several homes.
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The Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) Tongaat Operations Centre received multiple distress calls regarding the collapse on Zondi Street in Sandfields, KZN.
Upon arrival, the reaction officers discovered that a lounge wall had collapsed, tragically crushing both children and their mother. Local residents acted swiftly to remove the injured from the rubble.
Unfortunately, one child suffered life-threatening injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Her twin sister, who sustained serious injuries, and their moderately injured mother were rushed to the hospital by ambulance.
In a related incident on the same stormy afternoon, a 39-year-old woman was killed when another structural collapse occurred on Rama Drive.
Members of RUSA responded to the call and found that a wall had collapsed on the female victim. Despite their efforts to clear the debris and retrieve her, she sustained severe injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
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The heavy winds and rain that swept through Tongaat led to several structural collapses and extensive damage to multiple homes.
Large trees were uprooted, blocking roads and further complicating the emergency response efforts. Residents with chainsaws assisted emergency services in clearing the roadways, showcasing the community’s resilience in the face of tragedy.
