Ammar Badan, a resident of Lenasia, recounted the harrowing aftermath of a three-story building that nearly claimed his life. Filled with emotion, he described the moment when the structure fell on him, leaving him under the rubble.
Badan said that he had just returned home from Oshawa and was sitting outside, relaxing at his rented house, which stands next to the three-storey building.
“I was returning home from Oshawa and I decided to sit outside to get some fresh air, and five minutes later I saw a wall heading towards me. It happened so quickly that I didn’t get a chance to run for safety, and next thing I knew I was under the rubble,” he said.
The 38-year-old survived the incident but sustained significant injuries. He was rushed to a local clinic and later transferred to Baragwanath Hospital where he was treated for head injuries and a broken leg.
He was discharged from the hospital two days later. "I’m grateful to be alive," he said. "It’s a miracle I made it out, even with these injuries. It could have been so much worse."
He added that he is now homeless and relying on friends for temporary shelter, as they can only accommodate him for a short period. He lost everything.
Before the incident, Badan worked as a street vendor, but due to his injuries, he struggles to move and frequently suffers from body aches and persistent headaches.
“I lost everything, all my belongings are still buried under the rubble, and I can not access them as the scene is not cleared.
According to eyewitnesses, the collapse was preceded by a loud sound, and people nearby rushed to the scene. EMS, tow trucks, and local security companies quickly responded to the incident.
The building’s debris fell onto the adjacent yard, damaging the property and leaving the tenant's rooms in ruins—one belonging to Badan and the other to Yusuf Mia, another tenant renting one of the rooms.
Neighbouring properties were also affected, with debris falling into their yards and causing significant damage to the houses.
Mia recounted the harrowing experience, describing how he had gone to a local shop and, upon returning, was startled by a loud, shocking noise.
“I went to the shop, and when I returned, I heard a loud noise. The building collapsed onto our rooms, and I ran, hearing my other yard-mate screaming,” he said.
Sandra Moodley, one of the neighbours, shared that she lacks the financial means to consult an attorney and pursue legal action after her property was damaged in the collapse.
“I can’t afford to consult attorneys for legal action. I am a senior pensioner with multiple chronic ailments, frequently visiting doctors at the Charlotte Maxeke Cancer Clinic,” she said.
Moodley also added that City of Johannesburg officials instructed them not to occupy their premises as the structure is not safe, fearing it could collapse again.
Watch video here: https://rumble.com/v69zz3s-three-storey-building-collapse-victim-shares-survival-story.html
“We were told by the City of Joburg not to occupy our homes,” she explained. “This matter appears to be a long, drawn-out issue.”
Speaking to The Star, Nthatisi Modingoana City of Johannesburg Spokesperson said the matter is still under investigation and they can comment once investigations are completed.
“The incident is still being investigated. It is a private property and the owner is in the UK and could not be reached. We can only comment once investigations are completed.”
The company responsible for planning the structure, LHC Designs and Architecture, referred The Star to their attorneys, who stated:
“This tragic collapse of the building has left the team devastated and in utter disbelief. The architectural team can confirm that our mandate has been fulfilled and the work completed within our scope is in full compliance.
“We are also fully committed to aiding any investigation forthcoming and will cooperate with any relevant authorities to determine a cause. Expert investigations have commenced and we await reports confirming the cause of this tragedy.
“Most importantly we extend our heartfelt wishes for the individual who sustained injuries during the incident and pray for his speedy recovery. We have been informed that he is stable and recovering thankfully. We are grateful that no other individuals were injured.
The architectural team is unable to comment on the numerous parties relied upon for the actual construction of the building, as our role is limited to designing and providing plans in accordance with compliance requirements.
We pray that a conclusion will be reached as soon as possible.” The statement reads.
The construction company and the owner of the property declined to respond to any of our questions.
This is a developing story.
The Star
masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za