Verulam Temple Collapse: Three Dead, Several Injured in Durban Construction Disaster

Tragedy Strikes Verulam Construction Site

Verulam, South Africa – A four-storey structure under construction at the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection in Redcliffe, Verulam, north of Durban, tragically collapsed on Friday, December 12, 2025. The incident, which occurred around 12:40 PM, has led to the confirmed deaths of three individuals and left several others injured. Search and rescue operations are ongoing as emergency teams work tirelessly through the rubble.

Casualties and Ongoing Rescue Efforts

Initial reports indicated one fatality, but the death toll has since risen to three. Among the confirmed deceased is Vickey Jairaj Panday, 52, an executive member of the temple and the project manager for the construction. In addition to the fatalities, between eight and eleven people were rescued from the debris and transported to hospitals for medical care, suffering mild to moderate injuries. Some individuals initially trapped were able to communicate with family members and rescue teams via cellphones and voice notes, providing crucial information on their locations within the collapsed structure.

A multi-disciplinary team is on site, comprising:

• South African Police Service
• Fire and Rescue Services
• Specialised rescue technicians
• Paramedics
• Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA)
• Gift of the Givers

Rescue efforts, which were temporarily halted due to structural instability, resumed and are being supported by heavy machinery, including cranes, to navigate the tonnes of concrete and steel.

Investigation into Cause and Legality

The collapse reportedly occurred during a ready-mix concrete pouring operation. Preliminary investigations by the eThekwini Municipality have revealed that no building plans were approved for the four-storey extension, rendering the structure illegal. eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba visited the scene and has vowed 'consequence management' if an investigation confirms that laws were flouted. The cause of the collapse remains under official investigation, with authorities mobilising additional resources to assist with extrication and to provide medical and psychosocial support to those affected.