At least seven construction workers have died after the house they were working on in Meyersdal Eco Estate, south of Johannesburg, collapsed yesterday.

Eleven people survived and a further eight have been hospitalised. Although it is still unclear how many construction workers were on site at the time of the collapse, at least five are believed to still be missing.

The search was called off late last night and is expected to resume again this morning.

 

Labour department dispatches inspectors

The Department of Labour has dispatched a team of inspectors to investigate the site after which they will issue a preliminary report on the cause of the accident.

Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant has sent her condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those in hospital.