A major search and rescue operation is underway after a building believed to be a church collapsed in Inanda, north of Durban, on Monday.
The structure, located in eBuhleni Village, caved in shortly after midday, prompting a large-scale emergency response amid fears that several people may still be trapped beneath the rubble.
Before emergency services arrived, approximately eight people were transported to hospital with injuries. Rescue teams are continuing to search the debris to determine whether any additional victims remain trapped.
ALS Paramedics spokesperson Gareth Jamieson said emergency personnel are working alongside the eThekwini Fire Department to clear the rubble.
"At this stage, it is unknown whether there are still people trapped beneath the rubble and sand. The eThekwini Fire Department is leading the rescue operation, with teams using excavators and spades to dig through the debris and confirm whether anyone remains trapped," Jamieson said.
Emergency services remain on the scene as the rescue operation continues.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the collapse or the total number of people who were inside the building when it gave way.
This is a developing story.