Johannesburg -South African President Jacob Zuma
announced Tuesday that 67 South Africans died in a
building collapse in Nigeria's financial capital Lagos.
"I am greatly saddened to announce that 67 South
Africans died and scores of others sustained
injuries, after a building at the Synagogue Church of
All Nations collapsed on Friday," Zuma said in
statement to the nation.
Rescuers say the church's hostel, which housed
Nigerian and foreign followers of a popular preacher
and televangelist, T.B. Joshua, had been
overburdened by the construction of additional
floors.
At least five South African church tour groups were
at the Synagogue at the time of the collapse,
according to officials.
The number of South African dead exceeds the
previously known toll for the disaster, a grim signal
that the number of fatalities may rise further.
Zuma said South Africa was grieving after the
tragedy nearly a continent away.
"Not in the recent history of our country have we
had this large number of our people die in one
incident outside the country.
"Our thoughts are with the families, friends and
colleagues that have lost their loved ones in this
heart-breaking tragedy. The whole nation shares
the pain of the mothers, fathers, daughters and
sons who have lost their loved ones. We are all in
grief."
Zuma said he had ordered government departments
to help family members get to Nigeria to identify the
bodies of their loved ones, and repatriate the
remains as soon as possible.
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