HEARTBREAK AND HOPE

Relatives and loved ones share their stories as rescue efforts continue for the people still trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building in George

IMAGES from the scene resemble an earthquake in faraway countries: clouds of dust billowing into the sky, piles of rubble and twisted iron lying scattered across the landscape, and weary rescue teams weaving through the wreckage in a desperate search for life.

Yet this disaster happened right here at home, in the centre of the pretty Garden Route town of George – and the magnitude of the tragedy left the nation stunned.

At the time of going to print, 32 people had perished, 12 were in hospital and 20 were still unaccounted for.

The community has rallied together in the wake of the tragedy, with volunteers and local businesses providing support to rescue teams and those affected by the collapse.

While families awaited updates, a man played Amazing Grace and Silent Night on an accordion outside the nearby city hall, moving onlookers to tears. Shortly after the music ended, a glimmer of hope emerged when Gabriel Guambe was pulled from the rubble after a staggering 188 hours.

David van Niekerk, a firefighter in George, had all but given up hope of finding anyone else alive. “We were looking for bodies when we heard his voice. It felt like we could break our arms trying to reach him,” says David, who has scrapes all over his arms.

“It was incredible to pull Gabriel out. He just wanted to help us – he was lying with his feet towards us and we made the space around him a bit bigger and then he crawled out himself.

“Can you imagine what he went through? You lie there and hear the machines going over you. And can’t get out.”

Yet as heartwarming as Gabriel’s story is, there are plenty of heartbreaking ones.