A devastating incident unfolded in George, South Africa, on Monday, when a multi-storey building under construction crumbled, trapping numerous workers and leaving at least two dead.
The collapse, which occurred in the early afternoon, claimed the lives of two individuals who were among the 22 people initially rescued and transported to nearby hospitals.
City officials confirmed the fatalities later in the evening.
At the time of the incident, 75 construction workers were present at the site.
Rescue efforts are underway to locate and extricate the estimated 50 workers believed to be trapped under the debris.
City spokeswoman Chantel Edwards confirmed the number, but details regarding their condition remain unavailable.
A glimmer of hope emerged when Mario Ferreira, spokesperson for the aid organization Gift of the Givers assisting at the scene, reported established communication with some of the trapped individuals.
The cause of the collapse for the five-story building, which included an underground parking level, remains under investigation.
