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Minister for Public Works Dean MacPherson at the scene of the Verulam temple collapse as rescue efforts continue
The Western Cape government has sent a team of rescuers including two rescue dogs to the collapsed temple in Verulam, north of Durban. Four bodies have been recovered.
WATCH | The death toll from the temple collapse in Verulam stands at four as recovery operations continue. SABC News reporter Ayanda Mhlongo has the latest. pic.twitter.com/uBzm8KzRRC
— SABC News (@SABCNews) December 13, 2025
VIDEO | Temple Collapse | Death toll in Temple collapse rises to four
There are reports that a fifth body may have been spotted.
Eight people were rescued. Minister for Public Works Dean MacPherson visited the scene accompanied by KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi and eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba.
WATCH | Thulasizwe Buthelezi, KZN MEC for COGTA, gives updates on the Verulam temple collapse, saying the focus by the various units involved is on rescuing those who can still be saved. pic.twitter.com/gIAtI4jheF
— SABC News (@SABCNews) December 13, 2025
WATCH | The death toll at the collapsed River Range Ranch temple in Verulam, north of Durban, rises to four after three more bodies were recovered today. SABC News reporter Ayanda Mhlongo has the latest. pic.twitter.com/Dc1scay6Gc
— SABC News (@SABCNews) December 13, 2025
“Let me thank all the rescuers that are working hard on the site. We also welcome the collaboration of the Western Cape government as Premier Alan Winde has sent two rescue dogs that were involved in the George building collapse. They have extensive experience in this kind of tragedy and today we welcome this kind of collaboration,” says MacPherson.
WATCH | Public Works and infrastructure Minister Dean MacPherson sends condolences to the families of the deceased at the Verulam temple and says the primary focus remains rescuing anyone who may still be trapped, adding that all are praying for a miracle. pic.twitter.com/B9w9AQokNw
— SABC News (@SABCNews) December 13, 2025
Earlier, heavy machinery was brought in to re-inforce the rescue attempts. All the trapped bodies have now been recovered and the scene has now been handed over to South African Police Service (SAPS).
VIDEO | Temple collapse | Update on the Verulam Temple collapse
