George, South Africa – A couple in George, South Africa, shared their relief and joy with reporters after their son was rescued from the rubble of a collapsed building in the coastal city. Delvin Safers, one of 29 survivors, was pulled from the wreckage as rescue efforts continue to locate 39 people who remain missing.
The collapse of the five-storey apartment block, which was under construction, resulted in seven confirmed deaths and injuries to many of the workers on site. Delvin’s harrowing ordeal caught the attention of the nation as he sent heartfelt messages to his loved ones, expressing his love and fear of not making it out alive.
Thanks to the efforts of rescue teams, including a sniffer dog that led them to him, Delvin was located by drilling through the rubble until his hand was visible. His parents, Dion and Delmarie Safers, recounted the anxiety and relief they experienced during the rescue operation.
Delmarie revealed that they sent a photo of Delvin’s young son to motivate him during his ordeal, a tactic that seemed to work in keeping his spirits up. Meanwhile, Dion expressed frustration and anger over the building’s collapse, calling for accountability and justice for those responsible.
Despite sustaining injuries, Delvin’s condition has improved, and he is now able to walk after initially struggling. The rescue operation, involving 200 personnel and specialized equipment, continues to be complex as teams work diligently to reach voids and remove debris to locate any remaining survivors.
Investigations into the cause of the building collapse are ongoing as authorities seek to determine the factors that led to the tragic incident. The community has rallied around the families affected, offering support and solidarity during this challenging time.