WATCH: Dozens believed to be trapped in collapsed George building

People injured and trapped are being rescued after a building under construction in George collapsed on Monday afternoon.

George Municipality Disaster Services and other emergency services are treating the injured after the incident on Victoria Street at 2pm.

Unconfirmed reports state more than 20 construction workers were inside the building when it collapsed.

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‘All necessary support offered’

Roads in the area have been closed as emergency services work on the scene. The municipality has urged people to not obstruct the scene in their attempts to view what is happening.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said, “All the necessary support has been offered to emergency personnel to expedite their response. At the moment, officials are focused on saving lives. This is our top priority at this stage.”

He also urged the public to allow emergency staff to carry out their duties, and not put their own lives at risk by travelling to the site.

The Citizen‘s sister publication, The George Herald, reported chaos had erupted in the immediate area of the collapse.

It described onlookers trying to get a glimpse of the disaster, as rescue vehicles with blaring sirens raced to and from the scene.

It also said 53 emergency personnel are on their way from the City of Cape Town and Worcester Disaster Services as well as Colin Deiner, Western Cape Provincial Disaster Services will be on site as soon as is possible to assist.

Family and friends of the construction workers involved in the incident are being given space to gather at the foyer of the main municipal building and will be assisted, George Herald reported.

Relief requested

The municipality has asked the community for assistance in donations.

“Should any member of the public wish to provide drinking water, lucozade, wine gums, or any food for the services while they are on site – they must please deliver via Ivy Street at 79 Victoria St, Delplan Consulting,” the Western Cape municipality tweeted.

“A municipal official will be on hand in front of this building to collect any contributions to distribute to the service officials.”

Watch a video of the building collapse below:

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Municipality closed

The George Municipality issued a notice that its main offices, which are adjacent to the collapsed building, have been closed as a safety precaution.

“For inquiries, please contact the Municipality’s after-hours and emergencies line at 044 801 6300. For disaster-related matters, call the toll-free disaster number at 087 152 9999. For fire emergencies, dial 044 801 6311.

“Your cooperation and understanding during this time are greatly appreciated,” the notice read.

This is a developing story. Refresh for updates.