New Delhi/Durban, 14 December (H.S.): Indian-Origin Trustee Among Four Dead In Devastating Temple Collapse In South AfricaA 52-year-old Indian-origin man was among four people killed after a four-storey Hindu temple under construction collapsed in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, officials confirmed on Sunday. The tragic incident occurred at the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection, located on a steep hill in Redcliffe, north of eThekwini (formerly Durban), late Friday afternoon.

Authorities said the structure, which was being expanded as part of an ambitious project, gave way suddenly while several workers and devotees were present at the site. Rescue operations, which continued through Saturday, raised the death toll from two to four as teams retrieved more bodies from the debris.One of the victims has been identified as Vickey Jairaj Panday, an executive member of the temple trust and the project’s construction manager.

Local media reported that Panday had been actively involved in developing the temple since its inception nearly two years ago. Sanvir Maharaj, director of the affiliated NGO Food for Love, also confirmed his death.Despite tireless efforts, rescue teams were forced to temporarily suspend operations on Saturday due to severe weather conditions.

“At this stage, it cannot be confirmed whether additional individuals remain trapped beneath the rubble,” said Prem Balram, spokesperson for Reaction Unit South Africa.

Municipal authorities later stated that the temple expansion had proceeded without approved building plans, suggesting a possible breach of construction regulations. The temple was designed to resemble a cave, using rocks imported from India, and was intended to house one of the world’s largest idols of Lord Nrsimhadeva.

KwaZulu-Natal Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Thulasizwe Buthelezi visited the site on Saturday, pledging continued support for rescue efforts. He thanked the combined government and private teams, including a special dog unit from the Western Cape, for their dedicated responds.

Officials have yet to determine the exact number of people who might still be missing as hopes of finding survivors diminish amid challenging conditions and safety risks at the collapse site.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar