At a Glance
- Three people, including a 1-year-old, died when a two-story building collapsed in Soweto, west of Johannesburg.
- Three others were injured and are receiving treatment at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.
- Six people were inside; emergency crews rescued three trapped under rubble.
- Why it matters: The incident raises concerns about building safety and emergency response in South Africa’s urban communities.
A two-story building in Soweto collapsed in the early hours of Sunday, killing three people, including a toddler, and injuring several others.
Collapse in Soweto
The collapse occurred west of Johannesburg in the Soweto township. Six people were inside the building when it fell, and emergency personnel rescued three injured occupants from the rubble. Three adults and a child lost their lives.
Xolile Khumalo stated:
> “Tragically, three lives were lost in this incident, two adult females and one child. The incident has been handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation.”
- Building type: two-story residential
- Casualties: 3 dead, 3 injured
- Location: Soweto, Johannesburg
- Hospital: Chris Hani Baragwanath
Other Recent Collapse
On Dec. 12, a multistory building at the site of a Hindu temple collapsed near Durban. The structure, being built atop the temple in Verulam, 25 km north of Durban, claimed five lives. One person was initially reported dead, but later four more bodies were recovered, bringing the death toll to five.
| Incident | Location | Building Type | Deaths | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soweto collapse | Soweto, Johannesburg | Two-story residential | 3 | 3 |
| Durban temple collapse | Verulam, Durban | Multistory, temple site | 5 | Not specified |
The two incidents underscore the risk of construction projects in densely populated areas.
Key Takeaways
- Three people, including a 1-year-old, died in the Soweto collapse.
- Three others are injured and being treated at a major Johannesburg hospital.
- A separate collapse near Durban earlier this month killed five people.
The events highlight the urgent need for stricter building regulations and better emergency preparedness in South Africa.
