The sudden collapse of a section of a building in the central business area of Thohoyandou has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of structures and adherence to building regulations, particularly in relation to the older buildings in the CBD.
Early this morning (14th), the Rammbuda Complex, one of Thohoyandou's oldest original shopping complexes, collapsed without any forewarning. Witnesses reported hearing a loud noise at about 09:30, followed by the crashing of bricks and steel structures.
The complex has been extensively affected, leading to the closure of all shops within it. Although one injury has been confirmed, the disaster management team, along with workers from the various shops within the complex, are still working diligently to sift through the debris and cut through twisted steel, using grinders.
Local law enforcement faced challenges managing the disorderly crowds that gathered at the scene of the collapsed building.
The cause of this incident remains under investigation as the authorities seek to determine the factors that contributed to the collapse.