A four-story temple in Redcliffe near Verulam, north of Durban, collapsed on December 12, 2025, while workers added a structure on top, resulting in one confirmed death and several injuries. Rescue operations continue as teams search for others trapped under the rubble. The building lacked approved plans, making it illegal.
The incident occurred at a fully functional temple in the Verulam area of KwaZulu-Natal, where construction workers were placing concrete on an additional level atop the existing four-story structure. Preliminary investigations by eThekwini Municipality reveal that no building plans had been approved, classifying the temple as an illegal construction. Gugu Sisilana, a municipal spokesperson, stated, “Preliminary reports confirm that no building plans were approved for the structure, rendering it illegal. The Municipality will formally hand the matter over to the Department of Employment and Labour and will continue to cooperate fully with all relevant authorities.”
One construction worker died in the collapse, with eleven others—two females and nine males—rescued and transported to hospitals for treatment. Several more remain trapped, prompting ongoing multi-disciplinary rescue efforts supported by emergency services. A survivor recounted the chaos: “I was putting concrete in a slab and I was at the top, and other people were on the first floor. That time, the first part fell down, and other people were stuck inside. There are about five people... No one screamed, we were praying.”
KwaZulu-Natal Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Martin Meyer expressed condolences, emphasizing worker safety: “We take the matter of security and safety of workers, and construction sites very seriously... We’re very saddened that there was a death here and we hope that the recovery operation of those who are still trapped will happen.” Although a private security firm reported two deaths, official sources confirm one fatality. The Co-operative Governance Department noted no severe weather warnings for the area, with changing conditions potentially complicating operations. Investigations are underway to prevent future incidents.
