One person has been confirmed dead, and at least six people are trapped after a four-storey temple collapsed in Verulam, Durban, earlier today.

The Citizen reported that KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila confirmed that one person died.

The Witness reported that Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) spokesperson Prem Balram said they are urgently calling for additional assistance from rescue teams.

“Any medical or rescue teams that can provide support to RUSA officers and paramedics are urged to assist without delay,” he said.

“Survivors are communicating via voice notes from under the building,” he added.

Calls for assistance came at around 11:56, after witnesses saw the building collapse. Rusa said eight construction workers, with mild to moderate injuries, were found outside the building, while the number of people trapped is still unknown.

The KZN Department of Cogta confirmed that the building was under construction when it collapsed.

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