Key Takeaways
- A four-storey temple in Verulam, north of Durban, collapsed on Friday afternoon, killing one person and injuring others.
- The collapse occurred during a ready-mix pouring operation, and construction workers and other individuals were trapped under the rubble.
- Rakesh Kismath, a survivor of the collapse, was working in the temple at the time and managed to escape with his life by taking cover and running further into the building.
- Kismath’s company, RK Cupboards, was installing cupboards at the facility, and he was about to leave the site when the collapse occurred.
- The rescue operation involved heavy equipment, and one of Kismath’s employees was badly injured and transported to hospital.
Introduction to the Incident
The sudden collapse of a four-storey temple in Verulam, north of Durban, on Friday afternoon sent shockwaves through the community, leaving one person dead and others injured. Rakesh Kismath, a survivor of the disaster, recalled the harrowing moments leading up to the collapse, uttering the words "God, this is not my last time. I do not want to leave now" as the structure came crashing down. Kismath’s company, RK Cupboards, had been working on installing cupboards at the facility, and he was about to leave the site as his team finalized their work for the day.
The Collapse and Rescue Efforts
According to Reaction Unit South Africa, the temple collapsed during a ready-mix pouring operation, trapping construction workers and other individuals under the rubble. IPSS Medical Rescue confirmed that one person was killed in the incident. Kismath described the moments leading up to the collapse, stating that he was taking measurements and informing the project managers of his progress via text message. As he was about to leave, he instructed his team to double-check if the windows were closed and to keep the area neat. Suddenly, a loud noise was heard, and Kismath’s instincts kicked in, prompting him to take cover and run further into the temple.
A Survivor’s Account
Kismath’s account of the collapse provides a gripping insight into the chaos and panic that ensued. He recalled hearing a rumbling noise coming from above, which he initially thought was the sound of construction workers working on the upper floors. As the noise grew louder, Kismath’s instincts took over, and he ran towards the back of the building, seeking safety. However, as he was running, he felt something hit his head and back, causing him to fall to the ground. Despite the injury, Kismath managed to pick himself up and continued to run, eventually finding a safe spot to take cover. Unfortunately, one of his employees was not as lucky, suffering serious injuries as the rubble fell on his shoulders, and he was rushed to hospital.
The Aftermath and Rescue Operation
The rescue operation was swift, with heavy equipment being brought in to assist in the rescue efforts. Reaction Unit South Africa reported that the equipment was on standby, ready to assist in the delicate operation of searching for survivors and recovering the dead. Kismath’s narrow escape is a testament to his quick thinking and instincts, which ultimately saved his life. As the community comes to terms with the tragic incident, the focus will shift to investigating the cause of the collapse and ensuring that such a disaster does not occur again in the future.
Conclusion and Reflection
The collapse of the temple in Verulam serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring the structural integrity of buildings, particularly during construction or renovation projects. The incident highlights the need for rigorous safety protocols and regular inspections to prevent such tragedies from occurring. As the community mourns the loss of life and comes to terms with the aftermath of the disaster, it is essential to learn from this incident and take steps to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future. The bravery and quick thinking of survivors like Rakesh Kismath serve as a beacon of hope, and their stories will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the narrative of this tragic event.
