Cape Town - A survivor of the tragic building collapse in George that killed 33 people is planning to write a book about his terrifying experience and dramatic rescue.
Delvin Safers, 29, was one of the 62 workers in the multi-storey building under construction in Victoria Street when it collapsed on May 6.
He was rescued by emergency personnel after being trapped underneath the rubble for more than 24 hours.
Throughout that time, Safers had kept in contact with his family using his cellphone while buried under the rubble, where he reported hearing drilling and knocking from rescue personnel above him.
Now that the dust has settled, the electrician wants to share his story with the world.
“From the first moment after the five-storey building collapsed, I was engaged in a difficult but courageous struggle for survival.
“My rescue attempt provided the most dramatic and intense moments of the entire incident,” Safers said.
In the tell-all book he plans to write, Safers will share his version of what happened on that fateful day.
“This story of hope gripped the country, a moving story of how I emerged from under the rubble and tons and tons of concrete and steel,” he said.
Before being rescued, Safers texted his mother to let her know that he was in a “dark place, didn’t have feeling in his legs, and only had 9% on his battery”.
“What made the story even more remarkable is the fact that my family co-operated with the rescue workers to save me,” Safers said.
The 33 people who died were retrieved from the rubble and were positively identified by their families.
Those who were rescued were reunited with their families, while five people remain in hospital.
At the time of the incident, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said a team of structural engineers – V3 Consulting Engineers – was leading the provincial government’s investigation, which comprised several phases.
Winde’s spokesperson, Regan Thaw, confirmed yesterday that the investigation is still ongoing.
“Our investigation into the tragedy is ongoing. Any updates on this process will be accordingly communicated,” Thaw said.
The site was reportedly handed back to Neo Victoria Developments, the landowner.
But to get the ball rolling on his book, Safers is appealing for any kind of help to complete the interviewing process, research, writing, editing, layout, publishing and promotion.
“It is for this reason that I approach benefactors for financial help. Any amount you feel comfortable giving is welcome.”
Donors will also receive a special mention in the book and if everything goes according to plan, the book is expected to be released in September.
“The book can also serve as inspiration for many people. Writing the book also serves as good therapy for me, as I am currently undergoing trauma treatment,” Safers said.
Safer is receiving physiotherapy on his right hip and left shoulder and is currently unemployed.
For any assistance, Safers can be reached at 065 725 5202.
byron.lukas@inl.co.za
Cape Argus