6 killed, several trapped in building collapse in Johannesburg

Source: Xinhua| 2026-03-03 01:52:15|Editor: huaxia

An aerial drone photo taken on March 2, 2026 shows a collapsed building in Johannesburg, South Africa. At least six people were killed and several others remained trapped after a building collapsed on Monday in a southern suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa, local authorities said. (Xinhua/Chen Wei)

JOHANNESBURG, March 2 (Xinhua) -- At least six people were killed and several others remained trapped after a building collapsed on Monday in a southern suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa, local authorities said.

Johannesburg Emergency Management Services spokesperson Xolile Khumalo told reporters at the scene that two individuals were confirmed trapped under the debris, while three others remain missing. One person has been successfully rescued.

The incident occurred at Amethyst Business Park in Ormonde, where 12 workers were on the ground floor of a two-story building when part of the structure gave way, said Khumalo.

Authorities urged the public to avoid the area to ensure emergency operations proceed safely.

Search and rescue efforts are intensifying. Rescuers noted that the primary challenge facing the teams is the instability of the structure, warning that parts of the building are "already caving in."

Officials said operations would continue until all missing persons are accounted for.

The cause of the collapse remains unknown at this stage, and an investigation is underway. ■

An aerial drone photo taken on March 2, 2026 shows people working at the site of a collapsed building in Johannesburg, South Africa. At least six people were killed and several others remained trapped after a building collapsed on Monday in a southern suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa, local authorities said. (Photo by Shiraaz Mohamed/Xinhua)

People work at the site of a collapsed building in Johannesburg, South Africa, March 2, 2026. At least six people were killed and several others remained trapped after a building collapsed on Monday in a southern suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa, local authorities said. (Xinhua/Chen Wei)