A multi-story building under construction in South Africa collapsed on Monday, with 75 construction workers at the site.

The building, which collapsed in the town of George, located about 400 kilometres east of Cape Town, claimed the lives of five people.

“George Municipality confirms that as of 9:00 a.m. this morning, 7 May, a total of five (5) patients have been declared deceased,” a statement by the George Municipality said on Tuesday.

It said the incident occurred at about 2:09 p.m., and 26 people have been removed from the rubble while 49 others are still missing.

“Twenty-six (26) patients have been removed from the rubble of the collapsed multi-story construction site at 75 Victoria Street, leaving 49 persons unaccounted for.

“Status of patients: 11 red / 3 yellow / 7 green / 5 blue,” it said.

The statement said rescue operations were still ongoing as of Tuesday. Family members of the missing workers are said to be at city government offices awaiting news of their loved ones’ rescue.

It urged the public to donate water, drinks, safety goggles, headlamps, and other items needed for rescue operations.

“Safety equipment, including safety goggles, headlamps and construction gloves are needed. If anyone can assist, please deliver to GRDM Fire Station, Pearl Road, Tamsui Industria,” it stated.

The reason for the collapse is yet to be ascertained, as it is still under investigation.