EThekwini Municipality’s emergency and rescue teams are engaged in a large-scale search and rescue operation following the collapse of a retaining wall at eBuhleni Village, KwaShembe in Inanda, where several church congregants were trapped beneath rubble and soil.
The incident occurred when an approximately 18-metre retaining wall suddenly gave way, collapsing onto congregants who were seated near the structure during a church gathering.
Initial reports indicate that approximately 20 congregants were in close proximity to the wall when it collapsed, trapping multiple people beneath the debris.
Emergency services responded swiftly, launching an intensive search and rescue operation to locate and rescue those affected.
At this stage, eight people have been rescued and transported to hospital for medical treatment.
Two sustained critical injuries, while six suffered minor to moderate injuries.
A multidisciplinary emergency response remains on site, comprising eThekwini Fire and Rescue Services, Metro Police, Emergency Medical Services, specialised Search and Rescue teams, the South African Police Service, KZN VIP Advanced Life Support and other emergency response partners.
Search and rescue operations remain ongoing amid concerns that additional congregants may still be trapped beneath the collapsed structure.
Rescue teams are using specialised equipment and carefully coordinated excavation techniques to remove debris while searching for survivors.
The Municipality has commended the swift response and professionalism of all emergency personnel who mobilised immediately after the incident was reported.
Members of the public are urged to avoid the area and allow emergency personnel unrestricted access to ensure rescue operations can continue safely and efficiently.
As the operation is still underway, casualty figures and other details remain subject to verification.
Further updates will be issued as more information becomes available.
For emergencies, members of the public are urged to contact the City’s Emergency Call Centre on 031 361 0000.
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