George building collapse | Death toll rises to 9

GEORGE - The death toll in the George building collapse has sadly risen to nine.

This as hope slowly fades of finding any more workers alive.

But families are still holding out and praying for a miracle.

READ: George building collapse | Health Minister to visit survivors

Western Cape Disaster Management says they are not yet ready to move from rescue to recovery operations.

Its Chief Director, Colin Deiner, said heavy machinery to assist with the rescue arrived overnight.

"We really are reducing the space. This morning we’re going to break open the back of the building so that we can have a side-on view of the different floors and we're hoping that will help."