South African electrician Delvin Safers was trapped under the rubble of a five-storey apartment block in George, South Africa, where he was killed. Safers had become friends after working together for seven months on the construction of the block, which collapsed under them. The flats had a mountain view and were now a pile of debris, twisted metal reinforcements, and mangled scaffolding, burying dozens of those who had been working on the site.
Mr. Safers remembered his phone in his pocket and made his first call to his family as he was convinced he would not survive. He was recovering but sounds exhausted. Just minutes before his accidental entombment, he had been discussing an electrical problem with his colleague on the third floor when, with no sound or warning, the floor collapsed underneath them.
After the initial shock, Mr. Safers became more hopeful that he would survive. He didn't panic and for the next 15 hours or so, he was calm and waiting for help. A complex rescue operation was underway above ground, involving heavy-duty earth-moving machines, drills, and excavators. Many of those who were rescued first had been working on the top floors.
However, after a while, Mr. Safers' fortitude gave way and his hope turned to despair. He was shivering uncontrollably, his legs shaking in pain, his back hurting, and he was beginning to doubt that he would get out alive. His voice notes to his girlfriend and son, Zyar, became increasingly desperate.
After eight hours of working near him, rescuers managed to free one of his colleagues. However, alongside the relief, there were also recurring feelings of guilt and sadness because many people were still trapped inside, and some had died. The death toll now stands at 32.
Finally, after more than 28 hours under the rubble, Mr. Safers was saved. He was ferried to the hospital to receive treatment for a cut to his head and a fractured rib. He still cannot believe how he escaped with so few injuries and was discharged from the hospital after just two days.
Questions now turn to the cause of the accident, and authorities say an investigation is under way. Mr. Safers does not remember any indication that something might be wrong, but believes that if shortcuts were taken in the construction, people should be held responsible for the lives lost and the people who may never work or walk again.
